Leonardo Da Hinchi was already making a bold claim for the  $2 million Caulfield Guineas (1600m) next month, and a win in Friday nights Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) certainly helped his cause.

Darren Weir’s three-year old has firmed into $6.00 with Ladbrokes behind early favourite The Autumn Sun. Friday’s win under the lights at Caulfield was a narrow one, but after sitting three-back to run on behind Mark The Horse late, Weir was impressed with the run.

“I was concerned as he got in a tricky spot, but Brad was patient and he had the horse to get over the top of them late” Weir told Racing.com following the win.

Approaching the bend, the lightly raced son of Hinchinbrook looked caught along the rails behind the leader, only to shift out close to the 400m mark and race away to win by half a head.

Leonardo Da Hinchi’s turn of foot has always been a huge selling point, and at short $1.80 odds in Friday’s race, he’s quickly becoming a punter’s favourite.

Having now won three races in five starts, the Caulfield Guineas looks to be the plan ahead, although Weir isn’t so sure just yet.

“He ran well last start and he won well tonight and the main thing is he pulls up well and then gets his chance to run well,” Weir went on to say.

“The Sydney colts are a bit of a worry but you can’t be too worried about them. You’ve just got to worry about your own horse, get them there in the right shape on the day.”

As far as those Sydney colts go, Chris Waller’s dynamic duo comprising of Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) winner The Autumn Sun and runner-up Zousain will certainly take some beating on Guineas day, although Leonardo Da Hicnhi’s run on Friday was encouraging following a few  nervous moments.

Full Caulfield Guineas odds can be seen below.