SOUTH Australian youngster Eclair Big Bang surged into Caulfield Guineas contention on the back of his Caulfield Guineas Prelude win on Sunday. Eclair Big Bang firmed from $17 to $6 with Sportsbet.com.au for the $1 million race at Caulfield on October 12 while the TAB tightened him from $21 to $8, reports Racing Network.

While Eclair Big Bang reeled in New Zealander El Roca to win the Group 3 there was much to like about the runner-up as well as Long John, who powered home for third.

 

Long John is now the Guineas favourite with most betting agenices. TAB has the Peter Snowden horse as the $4 favourite while he’s a more pronounced favorite with Sportsbet.com.au, which has him $3.50. El Roca firmed from $21 to $9 with Sportsbet.com.au while he’s a $12 chance with the TAB.

 

Trainer Phillip Stokes says Eclair Big Bang still needs to relax better in his races if he’s to win the Caulfield Guineas.

 

Stokes said Eclair Big Bang had been brought along slowly, but his fitness was starting to improve and he would be at his peak on Guineas day.

 

“Everything is going to plan,” Stokes said.

 

Jockey Dom Tourneur said he liked the way Eclair Big Bang put away a quality field. Tourneur said Eclair Big Bang ran well first up at Flemington and was always going to be better with cover and around a turn.

 

Craig Newitt described as “super” the run of El Roca, who kicked four lengths clear at the point of the turn and was only swallowed up over the concluding stages.

 

Newitt said El Roca had a “look around” and was probably a run short coming into the race.

 

“He'll improve out of sight, he'll be hard to beat,” Newitt said.

 

Kerrin McEvoy was delighted with the run of Long John given he copped a check early in the race, forcing him to settle further back than anticipated.

 

“He motored late and he’s racing like a mile (1600 m) is going to suit him,” McEvoy said.

 

“He has run a blinder. I think he’s looking for a mile and he’s still a great chance in the Guineas.”

 

Brett Prebble said Fast 'n' Rocking was not in a good frame of mind before the race and that’s how he raced.

 

“You'd love to think he could run a mile, but I don’t think that's his go,” Prebble said,

 

“I think he's a happier horse under-trained and kept fresh for sprint distances.”