Robert Smerdon says it could be only a matter of time before Eclair Flyer proves himself as good as his more accomplished stablemate Eclair Mystic.Both three-year-olds are owned by Macau Jockey Club chief executive Thomas Li and have emerged as exciting prospects for the stable.The winner of five of seven starts, Eclair Mystic was a last-start third to Ahdashim in the Group Three Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on New Year's Day while Eclair Flyer has raced three times and is unbeaten in

Robert Smerdon says it could be only a matter of time before Eclair Flyer proves himself as good as his more accomplished stablemate Eclair Mystic.

Both three-year-olds are owned by Macau Jockey Club chief executive Thomas Li and have emerged as exciting prospects for the stable.

The winner of five of seven starts, Eclair Mystic was a last-start third to Ahdashim in the Group Three Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on New Year's Day while Eclair Flyer has raced three times and is unbeaten in two starts since joining the Smerdon stable this campaign.

After winning first-up over 955m at Moonee Valley, the Flying Spur gelding impressed when winning over 1000m at Sandown on December 28 and is TAB Sportsbet's $2.45 favourite for Saturday's John Moule Handicap (1100m) at Caulfield.

Smerdon said that in terms of ability it was hard to split Eclair Mystic and Eclair Flyer.

"I don't reckon there is a whole world of difference between Mystic and Flyer," Smerdon said.

"Both are three-year-olds but this bloke (Eclair Flyer) just hasn't had as many runs as the other horse.

"They both go well and with the claim on Saturday and a good draw he (Eclair Flyer) should be hard to beat."

"He's got a lot of scope and looks above average."

Smerdon said Saturday's performance would guide him towards making more ambitious plans for the gelding.

Eclair Flyer's only defeat was as a two-year-old when he was trained by Greg Eurell and finished seventh at his Flemington race debut.

Smerdon said the gelding continues to improve but is mindful of not overtaxing him.

"This will be his third run in a short space of time and pushing on into the autumn might be a bit much," Smerdon said.

"Depending on what he does, we might ease up with him after Saturday and try for something a bit better later on.

The Listed Jayco Sprint (1100m) at Flemington on March 12 is among the longer-term options.