Cracker has big Dollars in his sights

Wulguru trainer Michael McLellan believes playing the patience game will continue to reap rewards with his promising three-year-old Cracker Essgee at Cluden Park tomorrow.

Cracker Essgee, a winner of two of his 10 starts is set to clash with the in-form Robig from the Roy Chillemi stable in the Brown Brothers 3YO Hcp (1200m).

The pair have met only once, when Robig defeated Cracker Essgee in a maiden in Cairns on a soft track in September last year.

But McLellan is confident of turning the tables tomorrow on a path aimed at the Dollars and Guineas during the winter carnival.

"Those races over more ground have always been his targets. It’d be nice to knock them over (tomorrow), and if he can beat Robig that’ll give me a good guide,” McLellan said.“The day Robig beat us in Cairns, my bloke was ridden upside down on the pace and on the worst part of the track.

“Cracker has always had miler written all over him and I’ve given him plenty of time.

“This prep he probably came in a bit early but I’ve kept him fresh for these first few runs back over the shorter trips. His two runs back have been really good and his work has been brilliant.

“It’s a month between runs, but that won’t worry him.”

The son of Hvasstan turned in an eye-catching fourth first-up behind the flying Ruby July over 1000m in February and followed up with a close second to Princess Rules over 1200m in Mackay in early March.

But he will be without regular rider Justin Stanley who is out injured after a race fall at Gatton on Saturday.

Fellow Brisbane hoop Ryan Wiggins has been booked for the ride.

Meantime, Townsville Cup runner-up Tunero will continue a long build up to the winter staying events as a leading hope in the TAB Class 3 Plate (1609m).

The Stephen Wilson-trained gelding has come back in great order, running close seconds to Bold Eos at Cluden over 1400m on March 11 and Rocco over 1500m at Mareeba on Saturday.

Atherton apprentice Rachel Shred, who has ridden Tunero at his past three starts, will again be in the saddle.

Classy three-year-old Higher Realm will be out to shrug off two recent defeats and recapature his winning touch in the TAB Long May We Play Benchmark 70 Hcp (1200m).

Pictured: Wulguru trainer Michael McLellan and his promising three-year-old Cracker Essgee.