It is said that “the man who rocks the cradle rules the world”.

Such an idiom may not be entirely true of trainer David Pfieffer, but on a day the ATC proudly dubs “the Grand Final of Australian Racing” his handling of pocket-rocket Cradle Me can scale new heights in the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes.

Cradle Me will be guided by in-form hoop and regular rider Jason Collett.

It’s a track and distance the pair know well, having captured the Listed Razor Sharp Quality and Canterbury Classic in December last year.

Collett partnered the mare on Tuesday in her gallop on the course proper at Warwick Farm and was more than pleased with her effort.

“She worked really nicely, she’s well on track” he said.

Cradle Me is no delicate competitor, known for her explosive finishing sprint and difficult race day temperament; meaning her pre-race pampering is kept to a minimum by her strapper.

It’s that determined attitude that makes Cradle Me one of Pfieffer’s most successful thoroughbreds.

A winner of 10 races and over $500,000 in prize money, the aptly-named daughter of Easy Rocking continues to perform at stakes level even as a seven-year-old.

By seven most racehorses have embarked on their second careers as breeding prospects; or if lacking in speed, have been re-trained as pleasure or eventing mounts.

Cradle’s journey into motherhood is fast approaching however, being readied for a trip to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale held in June.

The seasoned campaigner will be joined at Royal Randwick by the 3yo bay bombshell Dixie Chick, who gains a start in the Listed South Pacific Classic over 1400m.

Dixie’s last start win at Kembla Grange was electric; swooping wide on turning to rattle home along the outside rail and snatch the win from Chris Waller’s handy filly Sanaya and the Waterhouse- trained Themis.

It won’t be an easy task. A sharp step up in grade and barrier 17 will test the daughter of Star Witness, but she has the services of a man with the midas touch of late in Tommy Berry.

Dixie Chick has exceeded expectations in her two wins from three starts so a top three finish would be of no surprise to Pfieffer.

In a busy week torn between the stables and the Inglis Easter Yearling Sales Pfieffer must first turn his attention to Wyong Thursday, where Tale Of Dreams tests her staying power in the CL1 Maiden Plate over 2100m.

From Wyong to Randwick, the form gurus can be confident of one “sure bet” this week - should the Pfieffer Trio deliver their buoyant trainer will be first past the post to the bar.

Weekly Runner Previews

TALE OF DREAMS

Thursday 7 April @ WYONG

R4. JOB CENTRE AUSTRALIA CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE | 2100m | 57kg

It’s her first try at the trip but she has shown plenty of fight with her recent second and third placings at Newcastle and Gosford. She will be partnered by gun jockey Tommy Berry who can get her settled and in the right position from barrier 7.

DIXIE CHICK

Saturday 9 April @ ROYAL RANDWICK

R2. MCGRATH ESTATE AGENTS SOUTH PACIFIC CLASSIC | 1400m | Listed | 54kg

Dixie Chick is well on the up and searching for her next big hit following her flashing last start win at Kembla Grange, clocking a swift 34:38 for her final 600m. She has an electric turn of foot and has Tommy Berry on board. She will need to maneuver a good position from barrier 17 but her work has been pleasing and her talent can shine in an open race with plenty of speed.

CRADLE ME

Saturday 9 April @ ROYAL RANDWICK

R10. SENSIS SAPPHIRE STAKES | 1200m | Group 2 | 54kg

Jockey Jason Collett will be praying for a day of Deja Vu as he and Cradle Me return to the scene of their brilliant Listed Race double in December last year. She gets into this contest well at the weights and has the benefit of barrier 7 to boost her chances. With two solid runs under her belt and excellent work during the week this mighty mare can score her maiden Group success in style on Championships Day 2.