Darryl Sherer
The Phillip Stokes-trained Éclair Calling (NZ) (Tartan Bearer) called on all of his reserves to out-tough Boxachocolates (NZ) (Alamosa) in the National Hall Of Fame Handicap (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.
“He got a little bit lost at Caulfield when he finished second last start and he trained on really well,” Stokes said.
“We’ve been working him in company behind horses and getting him to the outside and he put in a lovely piece of work on Tuesday and went nice and straight.”
That held him in good stead on Saturday under a strong ride from Noel Callow.
Sporting the colours of Macau Jockey Club supremo Thomas Li, Éclair Calling has now won three of his seven starts and been placed on a further two occasions for the South Australian trainer.
Bred by Power Bloodstock, Éclair Calling turned heads when selling for a record-breaking $525,000 from the draft of Hallmark Stud at the 2015 Karaka Select Sale.
“He’s a half-brother to Hong Kong Group One winner Thunder Fantasy and he looks to have a nice future.”