Adelaide trainer Phillip Stokes has continued his consistent form in Melbourne with Eclair Choice scoring at Moonee Valley.
After training four winners during Melbourne Cup week at Flemington, including three on final day from his only three runners, Stokes produced Eclair Choice to win the 1Print Handicap (1200m) on Saturday.
Eclair Choice
Ridden by Luke Nolen, Eclair Choice, the $3 favourite, scored a three-quarter length win from Written Dash ($3.70) with Durendal ($3.40) a long neck away third.
Stokes has had five winners from his past eight runners in Melbourne.
He said said the son of California Dane would have a short break before being aimed at the Adelaide carnival in March.
“There’s some nice three-year-old races back home during our carnival,” Stokes said.
“I’m not sure of his level but we’ll throw him in and see where he gets to.
“He’s a consistent bloke and with form around horses like Lord Aspen. I think he deserved that today.”
Nolen said he secured the mount aboard Eclair Choice after having a couple of beers with Stokes at a hotel in Perth last week.
He also believes there are a few more wins in Eclair Choice.
“They were probably moderate that lot but he’s been placed to advantage and can probably pick up a few more,” Nolen said.
