Ironclad to live up to name for Clarken in Van Heemst Stakes

Ironclad ahead of the $250,000 Ted Van Heemst Stakes
Morphettville trainer Will Clarken is confident Ironclad can produce another competitive effort in the Ted Van Heemst Stakes at Ascot on Saturday. Picture: Racing SA.

Despite being happy with Ironclad’s consistent preparation so far, South Australian trainer Will Clarken just wants a win.

And he believes his gifted stayer can give him that in the $250,000 Ted Van Heemst Stakes over 2100m at Group 2 level at Ascot on Saturday.

The veteran seven-year-old always gives his best, as this preparation and his career have proven.

The gelding ran a respectable second to Amelia’s Jewel last start in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes over 1800m on December 3, beating Saturday’s $2.50 favourite Steinem to the line by half a length.


He also finished third in the Linlithgow Stakes at Flemington on October 29, and fourth in the Cranbourne Cup over a mile a fortnight later.

With his 12th in the Railway Stakes a rare exception, Ironclad is usually there or thereabouts at the finishing post.

His seven wins from 22 starts – with almost $640,000 in career earnings – proves this.

Clarken is happy with how Ironclad has embraced stepping up over increased distances this campaign.

“Without winning a race, he’s won about $400,000 this prep. So he’s done a good job,” Clarken told HorseBetting.com.au.

“He’s hard in the market for the Perth Cup (on New Year’s Day), but one run at a time.”

The Morphettville trainer was thrilled with his stayer’s effort to finish runner-up to $2.90 favourite Amelia’s Jewel in the $1.5 million Northerly Stakes.

Brad Rawiller will again be aboard the $3.30 winning chance with bookmakers from barrier two in Perth on Saturday.

“Fantastic. Beautiful ride. We got the race right, got to the front and showed a bit of courage and it paid off,” Clarken said.

“We got a huge payday for that. He’s come through it well. (After Saturday) we’ll analyse where he goes from there.

“He’s one of our better horses.”

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