Ballarat trainer Archie Alexander chasing another win with the reliable Crackerjack Prince at Sandown

Archie Alexander would love to have a stable of Crackerjack Princes, especially if the consistent galloper can post a third-up win at Sandown on Saturday.

It’s fair to say Sandown hopeful Crackerjack Prince has grown on Ballarat trainer Archie Alexander.

Alexander once wondered whether Crackerjack Prince would make the grade but the six-year-old has developed into an owner and trainers’ dream during his 25-start career.

Crackerjack Prince has won six races with nine minor placings while a win at Sandown would send his earnings north of $300,000.

Alexander said Crackerjack Prince has done it through persistence.

“He’s quite deceiving because at first we thought he’s not that good but he kept chipping away with a place here and a win there,” Alexander said.

“He’s won a couple of cups as well so he’s been a great horse for us. If every horse won $250,000, we’d be rich.”

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Trainer Archie Alexander has certainly got the best out of six-time winner Crackerjack Prince. Picture: James Ross.

Crackerjack Prince has returned from a spell in particularly good order, running a good third at Caulfield first-up before finishing a length from the winner Bigolino at Sandown second-up.

Alexander said Crackerjack Prince had to chase from further out than desired but the gelding fought on gamely to finish fourth.

“The other day, it looked like he stopped but from where he was, he had to work to get there and he couldn’t keep going,” Alexander said.

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Crackerjack Prince is a $14 chance to post his second city win but Alexander said the six-year-old would continue to pay his way through the rest of the season.

“He’s that genuine off peak Saturday level and country cup level but he’s also a VOBIS Gold horse so he can run in those races as well,” Alexander said.

“He’s going well.”

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The Patrick Payne-trained Hard To Cross has been well-backed to win the $130,000 contents. Firming from $13 into $5.50 favouritism.

Declan Bates will ride Crackerjack Prince in the Benchmark 78 contest.

Originally published as Ballarat trainer Archie Alexander chasing another win with the reliable Crackerjack Prince at Sandown