Trainer Jake Stephens, Alcopop and crew are on the way to Caulfield this morning in preparation for the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes over 2400 metres.

A top-three placing would make it hard for the handicapper at Racing Victoria to overlook Alcopop for a start in the nation’s biggest race on the first Tuesday in November.

“He may have to have another run to prove himself, like in the Geelong Cup,” Stephens said.

“The fact that he copped a one kilogram penalty this Saturday means he's come under notice.”

Alcopop is bred to stay and Stephens has taken his time with the youngster, bred from former Melbourne Cup winner, Jeune.

“To say he has good bloodlines is an understatement, but I am putting no pressure on him,” Stephens said.

The five-year-old confirmed his status as a horse of the future and serious Melbourne Cup contender with a commanding win in the Listed JRA Cup at Moonee Valley, his first try beyond 1800 metres.

"That race was exciting, the way he won and, after the week he had, it was pretty special,” Stephens said.

"It was his first long trip away and, if anything, I think he has already shown signs of benefiting from the experience.

"He's much better within himself."

Stephens will keep the same travelling routine this weekend when going to Caulfield.

“We will stay over night in Ballarat like last time after leaving down here at 4am, we will arrive at the track about two hours before the race, to get him to settle down,” Stephens said.

“After the run, we will use the same travel arrangements back home.

“If he is successful, I will look at keeping him over there to stop the yo-yo trips over and back for the runs.”

Stephens will also keep faith in jockey gun South Australian jockey Keith Donlan.

“Keith knows the horse inside and out,” Stephens said.

“He will be going over there for one ride and he will take lots of care and knows what he and the horse need to do.”