Eclair Big Bang ready to peak in Guineas

Sunday 6 October 2013, 3:13pm

An already successful spring carnival could soar to new heights for Adelaide trainer Phillip Stokes and jockey Dom Tourneur at Caulfield on Saturday.

The Stokes-trained Eclair Big Bang shoots for Group One success in Saturday's Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on the back of his win in the Group Three Prelude at the same track last Sunday.

Stokes and Tourneur also combined for victory at Flemington on Saturday when Molte Bene stormed home from last at the 200m to win the Listed Headquarters Tavern Stakes (1410m).

"We're having a great run," Stokes said.

"They are all running well at home too, so I'm really happy."

Both Tourneur and Stokes are aiming for their first Melbourne Group One win on Saturday as Eclair Big Bang bids to become the fifth horse since 1990 to claim the Prelude-Guineas double. The others are Helmet (2011), Anacheeva (2010), Wonderful World (2006) and Alpha (1996).

Stokes said Eclair Big Bang was ready to peak in the Guineas.

"Everything is on target and I'm confident enough he'll run a strong mile out," Stokes said.

"It's going to be a tougher race but we're very happy with where we stand.

"I've brought my horse up with the Guineas in mind. I've brought him up very slowly, improving every run which he's done.

"We'll be there on the day and he'll be peaking."

Stokes has been working on getting Eclair Big Bang to settle in his races to ensure he runs out the Guineas trip and he said the son of Savabeel would have a hit-out at Caulfield on Tuesday morning.

The Peter Snowden-trained Long John remains favourite for the Guineas.

He was third in the Prelude behind Eclair Big Bang and El Roca but maintained his position at the head of the Guineas market with his fast-finishing performance after getting further back than anticipated.

Stokes and Tourneur will also team up with three-year-old Hucklebuck in Saturday's $250,000 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m).

– AAP

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