Undefeated South Australian Eclair Big Bang will face his biggest test in his short career when he takes on more experienced horses in the Danehill Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.
It’s the first time the three-year-old has travelled but trainer Phillip Stokes says he wants to give the gelding the chance to prove how good he is.
“You have to try it and we’ll see where are are on Sunday,” Stokes said.
Eclair Big Bang will have his work cut out on Saturday, racing Group One winner Romantic Touch, Thousand Guineas favourite Gregers and Safeguard, unbeaten in three starts.
His two victories have been over 1000m in Adelaide and Stokes said the son of Savabeel had a pedigree to handle longer distances.
“We’re not coming over there and thinking he’s going to brain the other horses – we’re just hoping for a competitive run,” Stokes said.
“There’s still a lot of improvement in him.”
Stokes is also bringing over Spring Stakes winner Just Discreet for the Group Two Let’s Elope after she failed at her last outing at Morphettville Park on August 24.
“It was a career-worst run for her and we’re putting it down to the heavy track,” Stokes said.
“She was also a little bit fractious in the barriers and we think she hit her hip going in.”
He said the five-year-old mare had worked well since and the race would give the stable an opportunity to see what level she is at.
“It’s a tough race but she’s a Group Three winner and the 1400 metres suits her,” Stokes said.
