Grant Peters Photography
The Doncaster Mile remains the goal for Crack Me Up who will first try to snare the A$1 million Magic Millions Cup at the Gold Coast.
Crack Me Up has been freshened since winning the Gr.2 Villiers Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on December 16, a victory which earned him a start in the Doncaster at Randwick in April..
He is trained by Liam Birchley who said on legal advice he would not comment on charges laid by Victorian authorities regarding his involvement in three race day treatment offences in Melbourne which he said would defend.
Birchley is making plans beyond Saturday for Crack Me Up..
He considered chasing a A$100,000 bonus for the winner of the Villiers and the Bernborough Handicap (1600m) at Doomben on December 30.
"In the end we decided to freshen him up and bring him back for the Cup at 1400 metres. The distance probably isn't ideal at this stage of his campaign but it is a million dollar race," Birchley said."
He is back at Eagle Farm after a freshen-up at Archer Park and he is ready to race well.
"He said win, lose or draw Crack Me Up would be headed to the Doncaster after a short spell.
"I would be stupid not to aim him at the Doncaster. It is one of Australia's great races and he doesn't have to go in the ballot," Birchley said.
"Also if you look you will see the winners or placegetters in the Villiers have run well in the Doncaster of late."Bradbury Park will offer a half-brother (Lot 111) to Crack Me Up by Reliable at the NZB Book 1 Sale later this month. -AAP