Eclair Mystic’s march to the Group One Australian Guineas took a leap forward today when he scored a thrilling win in the listed Zeditave Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.

A son of former outstanding Magic Millions graduate and Golden Slipper winner Stratum, Eclair Mystic made it six wins from eight starts by winning the three-year-old feature.

Trainer Robert Smerdon said the gelding would head to the Guineas at Flemington – but would first race in the CS Hayes Stakes over 1400 metres.

“He looked the winner turning for home but he didn’t have much to spare on the line,” Smerdon told reporters.

“He’s a tough racehorse.”

“You have got to give him his chance (in the Australian Guineas).”

“We know the track and 1400 metres (of his lead up run in the CS Hayes Stakes) are okay for him and we will just see if he can run a mile.”

“He’s a pretty fool proof sort of horse who can take advantage of any situation and put himself in the right spot and tough it out.”

Bred by the Sangster family’s Swettenham Stud operation, Eclair Mystic was sold for $160,000 as part of their dispersal sale at the 2008 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale at the Gold Coast.

The smart youngster has raced on eight occasions and registered six wins and placing and earnings of $262,975.

He is one of six winners from six to race for the former outstanding race filly, At Talaq’s Oaks winning daughter Leica Smile.

Leica Smile is a half sister to the stakes winner Dansino, the dam of Zagreb, and the stakes placed Leica Vista (the dam of group winner Moon Dragon).

It is the same family as Group One winners Nothin’ Leica Dane, Redding, Leica Show, Pharaoh, Light Fantastic and Leica Planet.

Winner: Eclair Mystic (Stratum-Leica Smile)
Race: MRC Zeditave Stakes LR (1200m)
Sold for: $160,000
Sale: 2008 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale
Vendor: Swettenham Stud (Dispersal Sale)
Buyer: Govwell Pty Ltd
Earnings: $262,975
Owner(s): CK Li
Trainer: Robert Smerdon (Caulfield)