SIR RUPERT CLARKE STAKES

1400m, $500,000, handicap at Caulfield

HISTORY

* First run in 1951 when won by Jovial Lad

* Run as an invitational race from 1951 to 1974 for invited jockeys

* Group One from 1979

NOTABLE WINNERS

* Cap d'Antibes (1975); Torbek (1980); Magari (1982); Canny Lass (1986); Mannerism (1992); Poetic King (1994); Encosta De Lago (1996); Testa Rossa (1999-2000); Exceed And Excel (2003)

TALKING POINTS

* The race has an international visitor with the Charlie Appleby-trained last-start Dubai Group One winner Jungle Cat the top weight and will be ridden by James Doyle

* Jockey Craig Williams could equal Damien Oliver's record of six wins in the race when he rides one of the leading contenders Osborne Bulls

* The now Singapore-based Lee Freedman holds the trainers' record with four wins. His brother Anthony is aiming for his second-straight win this year with Mr Sneaky after Santa Ana Lane's 2017 victory

* Trainer Darren Weir won the race is consecutive years in 2014 (Trust In a Gust) and 2015 (Stratum Star) and has Land Of Plenty, Peaceful State and second emergency Ozi Choice

* Jockey Dean Yendall won on Santa Ana Lane last year and rides Peaceful State this year

WHAT THE KEY PLAYERS ARE SAYING:

"We've had this race in mind for him for some time, and he's well-prepared for it" - Jungle Cat's trainer Charlie Appleby

"He took a few big scalps in the Theo Marks, so he deserves the chance to perform at Group One level" - Home Of The Brave's trainer James Cummings

"She's flying. I've never had her better" - Oregon's Day's trainer Mick Price