There Can Only Be One In The Toorak Handicap

Posted on October 9, 2025October 9, 2025 | Posted by TABtouch

The Group 1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated mile races of the Spring Carnival – not just for its prestige, but for the clash of three unbeaten stars: Lazzura, Sepals, and Evaporate. All three have been flawless this prep, but only one can keep their perfect Spring record intact when they meet on Saturday.

Sepals, trained by Cliff Brown, has emerged as a genuine Group 1 performer. After a commanding win in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, where he overcame a wide draw and a light weight to storm home, Sepals now steps up to the mile for the first time this campaign. He’s drawn barrier 4 and will carry 57kg, a fair impost for a horse that’s proven he can finish powerfully against top-class opposition. His win in the Rupert Clarke was his fifth from eight starts, and he’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting milers in the country.

Evaporate, representing Team Hayes, arrives off a narrow win in the Group 3 Sandown Stakes, where he carried 59kg and now drops slightly to 58kg. He’s unbeaten this Spring and boasts a strong record over the mile (4:3-0-1), making him a serious threat. His racing style – settling midfield and unleashing late – suits the Toorak’s tempo, and with Blake Shinn aboard, he’ll be looking to add a Group 1 to his resume.

Then there’s Lazzura, the progressive Snitzel mare from Chris Waller’s yard. She’s chasing her third straight win after stylish Group 3 and Group 2 victories in Sydney and Melbourne. Lazzura has drawn ideally in barrier 5 and carries 56kg under James McDonald. Her versatility across conditions and ability to accelerate off a slow tempo make her a dangerous contender, especially if the race unfolds tactically.

While the spotlight is on the unbeaten trio, the Toorak field is deep with talent. Feroce, trained by Dominic Sutton, is a Group 1 winner who claimed the Australian Guineas earlier this year and recently placed third in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes. With a strong turn of foot and proven form at Caulfield, he’s a genuine danger if the tempo suits. Transatlantic, a progressive gelding from Tony Gollan’s Eagle Farm stable, has six wins from 17 starts and arrives off a solid campaign that includes a stakes win at Eagle Farm. His consistency and adaptability make him a live chance stepping up to Group 1 level. And don’t overlook the lightly raced Damask Rose, who won her only start over the mile.

The Toorak Handicap has a rich history of producing elite winners, from I’m Thunderstruck to Trust In A Gust, and this year’s edition promises to be no different. With all three contenders unbeaten this Spring, the race becomes a battle of form, tactics, and timing. Whether it’s Sepals’ explosive finish, Evaporate’s mile mastery, or Lazzura’s tactical brilliance, something has to give – and only one unbeaten record will survive.

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