Clarken Racing | Clarken Racing News 53063 Ironclad To Live Up To Name For Clarken In Van Heemst Stakes

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.”