Brown’s pair set to resume work

Two of Cliff Brown's Group One performers are back from a break and about to start their preparations for a spring campaign.

Von Hauke (NZ) (Savabeel) and Sepals (Calyx) have enjoyed a holiday in the Queensland warmth after their placings in the Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm last month.

The pair arrived back in Melbourne during the week and will commence work on Monday.

"They spelled well," Brown said.

"I went and saw them a couple of weeks ago, at Newington Farm and they were great.

"It was a long campaign, a heavy track last start, but they'll kick back into on Monday and we'll go from there."

I reckon Von Hauke could be a good Epsom horse under the handicap conditions, over the mile, it would be good."

Brown said with only 13 starts under the belt, Sepals was still to reach his best, while rising seven-year-old Von Hauke had finally realised what racing is about.

"My horses keep improving with age," Brown said.

"Sepals has only had 12 or 13 starts while Von Hauke's rising seven and still in great order.

"I don't worry too much about the two-year-olds. I like to get them later, give them time and buy that sort of horse.

"We've only got 25 in work. Two make the Stradbroke, and we've had a few other city winners during the year, but there's no two-year-olds.