Paul Snowden is brimming with praise for classy gelding Long John and expects him to be very difficult to beat in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield on Sunday.

Long John will step up to Group level for the first time in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude on Sunday. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Long John started his 2013 Spring Racing Carnival campaign with an unlucky third behind Cauthen and Shamus Award in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on August 24 before returning to the winners circle with a dominant two and a half lengths victory in the Listed Henry Bucks Best Dressed Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on September 7.

Snowden could not be happier with Long John ahead of his step-up to Group 3 level in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude this weekend and he is confident that the son of Street Cry can record his fifth career victory.

“He is very laidback but he is such a tough horse and cops a lot of work at home,” Snowden said on RSN.

“When he races he can do it both ends – he sits up on the speed and can make a long run.

“That is going to get you out of trouble nine times out of ten in these big races.

“He has certainly trained on great and the three weeks between runs has certainly suited him down to the ground.

“Off a good draw he is going to be very hard to beat again.”

The Snowden stable only has two runners at Caulfield on Sunday but is an excellent chance to walk away with two winners; with Chiaramonte well placed in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1200m).

The Redoute’s Choice entire stepped up to Group 3 level for the first time in Theshark.com.au Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield last month, finishing second behind Samaready, and Snowden believes  the four-year-old is good enough to break through for a well-deserved win this weekend.

“He over did a bit in front and that probably cost him the victory,” Snowden said

“He has been around the money both times this time in and I am sure that he is going to be hard to beat again.”