Cliff Brown and his dedicated team have put in substantial work to transform Von Hauke into a placid and manageable racehorse.
In his earlier racing years, Von Hauke showed a tendency to finish his races prematurely, but with maturity and consistent training, the gelding has become considerably more cooperative.
This positive development was nearly compromised in a recent Mornington jump-out, where Von Hauke reverted to his old ways, exhibiting a strong urge to bolt.
Brown was disappointed to observe Von Hauke returning to his previous behaviour, although the trainer, based in Mornington, was reassured by the gelding’s final track session.
“Briar Stobie rode him in his last bit of work, and he was a bit keen early, but then he came back under her really well,” Brown said.
“She said to me, ‘I’m worrying about nothing’, which was good to hear.
“She knows him back-to-front.”
After finishing seventh in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 19, Von Hauke is set to race again at Caulfield on Saturday in the Toorak Handicap (1600m).
Two starts back, Von Hauke secured a placing in the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm, and Brown is of the belief that the gelding has the potential to win a significant handicap race in the future.
However, the barrier draw of 11 for Saturday is a point of concern.
“The barrier is a bit sticky,” Brown remarked.
“For him, he’ll get back, and you have to hope they can make ground, but he’s capable of winning one of these races one day.
“He’s done nothing wrong, his first-up run was excellent, as were several in it too.”
Brown will leave Von Hauke in the capable hands of his trusted assistants, Mason Stevens and Kahlia Kaminski, on Saturday, while he travels to Sydney to saddle Sepals in the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill.
Sepals was beaten by Angel Capital in the Sir Rupert Clarke at Caulfield when first-up, a race where Brown stated the gelding’s fitness gave out in the final stages.
“He needed the break after Brisbane, and he would have only had a couple of weeks off if I wanted to run in the Memsie,” Brown stated.
“That month off he did so well, but his fitness blew out in the final stages last time.”
Like his stablemate, Sepals faces a difficult barrier draw on Saturday, but the 1400m run is intended to set him up for either the Champions Mile at Flemington on the last day of Melbourne Cup week or the CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield the following week.
“I needed another 1400-metre run, so that’s why I’ve brought him up here,” Brown explained.
“Trip up and a trip home, plus the run, that will help him and he might have a jump-out before his next start.”
When considering the Toorak Handicap, keep an eye on the betting markets at Australian betting sites for the best value.
