Former Sydney sprinter German Chocolate will begin the long haul to the Group One Stradbroke Handicap when he makes his stable debut for Tony Crane at Eagle Farm.Previously trained at Warwick Farm by Paul Cave, German chocolate will be ridden by apprentice Brent Evans in Monday's Easter Sprint Open Handicap (1000m).The six-year-old faces a slick line-up which includes veteran campaigners Mitanni, Daunting Lad and Dance The Waves.Crane, a former jockey, came to Brisbane two years ago from Rockham
Former Sydney sprinter German Chocolate will begin the long haul to the Group One Stradbroke Handicap when he makes his stable debut for Tony Crane at Eagle Farm.
Previously trained at Warwick Farm by Paul Cave, German chocolate will be ridden by apprentice Brent Evans in Monday's Easter Sprint Open Handicap (1000m).
The six-year-old faces a slick line-up which includes veteran campaigners Mitanni, Daunting Lad and Dance The Waves.
Crane, a former jockey, came to Brisbane two years ago from Rockhampton where he trained for three years after becoming too heavy to ride.
German Chocolate was sold privately for an undisclosed sum to a new syndicate after recording six wins from 23 starts with Cave.
Crane is rapidly earning a reputation as a horseman in Brisbane and has 16 horses in work at Eagle Farm.
He is hoping German Chocolate will give him his big break during the winter carnival.
The six-year-old hasn't started since January 3 when he finished seventh in a 1600-metre welter at Randwick.
The seasoned campaigner was beaten only three lengths when 10th to Something Anything in the Group Two Villiers Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on December 10.
"I've only had him for nine weeks and I couldn't be happier with him," Crane said.
"He's been working super and from the one alley and with the three kilo claim for Brent Evans he'll be right in it.
"He's an ugly duckling to look at but his muscles are waiting to explode."
Evans had a milestone day at Eagle Farm on Saturday with a winning treble.
Crane has had previous luck with former Sydney cast-offs after winning a race at the Gold Coast three years ago when he first ventured to Brisbane with the former Gerald Ryan-trained Gullcatcher.
He believes 1400 metres is German Chocolate's pet distance and will aim him for another shot at the $1 million Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm in June.
German Chocolate's only previous start in Brisbane was ninth in last year's Stradbroke Handicap won by Mr. Baritone.
"His previous owners kept trying him over a mile (1600 metres) but I think 1400 metres pulls him up," Crane said.
"He ran a good race in the Villiers and ran a super race, although he only finished 13th, on a heavy track in last year's Doncaster."
Crane is confident German Chocolate will be competitive in his first start for him but expects him to improve with each run as he heads towards the winter races.
"This is not an easy race for him but he'll be very competitive," he said.
"We're looking at bigger things with him and his next run will be in the Sir Byrne Hart.
"After that we'll look at the Doomben 10,000 but the Stradbroke is his main aim."
The Group Two Sir Byrne Hart Stakes (1200m) is at Eagle Farm on Anzac Day.