Alcopop took last year's Melbourne Spring Carnival by storm, winning the JRA Cup and Herbert Power Stakes in impressive fashion before running a credible sixth as second favourite in the Melbourne Cup.

Stephens prepares the promising stayer in the paddocks of his Victor Harbour farm just south of Adelaide and was looking for a spot similar to his South Australian base. He found the ideal setting in Robinson's beachside property, away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney.

"It's good with the beach and open environment here," Stephens said. "There's nice big yards and an open outlook. The horse likes it out in the country rather than being boxed up in the city.

"He doesn't like being confined in the city and he's not used to it. It's pretty similar to Adelaide here and he seems to be coping well. Terry has been great to us."

Alcopop and Stephens attracted a cult following during last year's spring carnival. Stephens is self-taught with just under four years' experience in racing. From a polo-playing background, he was a semi-professional windsurfer and studied architecture at university before he took up thoroughbred training.

Stephens bred Alcopop from an unraced mare he purchased with fellow owner Doug Gillam. The gelding has now won seven of its 11 starts.

Connections, including Stephens, who owns a half-share, have knocked back $1 million-plus offers for the horse.

Alcopop will begin his campaign in next week's Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens. He will then run in the Chipping Norton (1600m), Ranvet Stakes (2000m) and The BMW (2400m) on April 3.

Alcopop has been entered for the Doncaster Handicap (1600m, on April 17) as a precautionary measure.

Although The BMW is his main aim, Stephens believes his charge could be competitive over shorter distances, provided he gets suitable track conditions and pace.

"He is the sort of horse that appreciates the pace on, he doesn't like them dawdling along," Stephens said.

"He seems to be a lot more fresh this time, he is pretty keen at the moment and he has won two races over a mile and broke a track record over that distance.

"He's won first-up twice, obviously this is a tougher grade of horse, Group Two and weight for age ... this will be a big test. We've got more distance in mind, but he's the sort of horse that's competitive in everything, he'll certainly be trying."