Promising stayer Distillation can book himself a spot in  the Adelaide Cup in ten days with a top showing in today’s Group 3 $115,000 Boag’s Lord Reims Stakes (2600m) at Morphettville.

Distillation has worked his way up through the classes, winning his last three starts at Morphettville in restricted grade, his last two over 2400m.

Trainer William Smart is stepping Distillation up to the 2600m for the first time and even though his pattern of racing suggests he will handle it, the Morphettville trainer wants to assess his run before committing to an Adelaide Cup start.

“It will be interesting to see how he runs 2600m out,” Smart said.

“He’s been thriving recently and looks a million dollars so I can’t fault the horse. He’s going great.”

Distillation is facing his toughest test to date taking on a strong Group 3 race but Smart is optimistic that the five year old will come through in fine style on his way to the 3200m Group 2 $400,000 Adelaide Casino Adelaide Cup at Morphettville.

“To be a genuine chance, there are some nice horses in the race, he has to give a good showing,” Smart said.

A win in today’s Lord Reims Stakes will guarantee Distillation a start in the Adelaide Cup and any penalty will lift him off the 54kg minimum.

Smart has got his wish with a good track at Morphettville after getting some rain earlier in the week.

“He can’t handle a soft track at all, he galloped on Tuesday at Morpehettville and they’d had quite a bit of rain and he couldn’t go an inch in it,” Smart said.

“Also he doesn’t like being bustled through the distances so he doesn’t fire until he gets to his right distance.”

Distillation is quoted at $7 third favourite for the Lord Reims Stakes behind Waratone at $3.40 and Perth Cup winner Talent Show at $4.20.