Unraced youngster Sir Crackle has been lighting up the trial track but his trainer is trying to keep a lid on expectations ahead of his debut at Randwick.
By pioneering Royal Ascot-winning sprinter Choisir, Sir Crackle has won his two most recent trials by a combined total of more than eight lengths, showing not only sustained speed but an ability to lengthen off it.
Hi trainer Bjorn Baker says Sir Crackle has been somewhat of a surprise packet given he is so laid-back around the stable.
“He has been an unassuming horse, but his two trials have been nothing short of exciting and I’m thrilled with him,” Baker said.
“You can’t get too carried away. There are no easy two-year-old races and he is going to have to do it against rock-hard fit horses with form, so that’s going to be tough.
“He’s a very casual horse so I’m sure he’ll be relaxed on race day and that will hold him in good stead.”
Sir Crackle also won his only other trial in February but Baker said the horse was big and raw so he tipped him out to give him time to mature and grow.
Raced through Graeme Smith’s Thoroughbred Leasing, he will line up for his first start in Saturday’s Acy Securities Handicap (1100m) where his rivals include five last-start winners.
Also there is Godolphin youngster Vianello, who was runner-up to subsequent Golden Slipper winner Stay Inside in the Pierro Plate, although he has also been accepted for a race in Melbourne.
Baker wants to get through Saturday before making any plans for Sir Crackle but he is hoping Smith might have unearthed a handy galloper.
“Graeme has had horses with me for a long time and he’s been a great supporter, so I’d love to get a really good horse for him,” Baker said.
“But one step at a time. We’ll see what happens on Saturday and go from there.”
Sir Crackle was a $4 top pick with TAB fixed odds on Thursday, ahead of recent winners Dragonstone at $4.60, and Sky Command at $5.50.
