Melbourne Calls For Stoke's Eclair Choice

Adelaide trainer Phillip Stokes has given punters a strong lead by electing to run Eclair Choice at Moonee Valley.

Eclair Choice was also an acceptor for a race at Morphettville on Saturday but Stokes has selected for the 1Print Handicap (1200m).

Stokes, who landed a treble at Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup carnival, said Eclair Choice looked well suited at Moonee Valley.

He said he had accepted with Eclair Choice at Morphettville as a back-up.

As is the case with Stokes' runners, Eclair Choice will travel from his Morphettville base on Thursday night to the stables of Peter Moody at Caulfield.

Eclair Choice made his debut at Moonee Valley, finishing fourth in a maiden event last December, before having his next six starts in Adelaide where he has figured in the money each time.

"He's in good order, he's been to Moonee Valley before, so that's a plus," Stokes said.

"He's been running into smart horses over here like Lord Aspen, but this looks a nice race for him."

Stokes said the difference in prize money - $48,000 to the winner as opposed to $22,000 - was the determining factor in heading to Melbourne.

"The prizemoney had a big say in it," Stokes said.

"If the horses are up to it we'll always send them over the border."

Stokes has engaged Luke Nolen and caught up with the rider in Perth last weekend where Nolen had ridden Moment Of Change in the Winterbottom Stakes, a race that Stokes had Eclair Big Bang engaged.

Stokes also noted drawing barrier three in the six-horse field was a plus.

"He's got a good draw and I've had a bit of luck with Luke Nolen in the past," Stokes said.

"I was lucky he had a beer with me on Saturday night after Perth and I remembered him for the ride."