Carl Spackler to Race in Britain, Then Australia

Former top United States miler Carl Spackler (IRE) is expected to race one more time in Britain as a prep for a start in the Cox Plate (G1) in Australia. The triple grade 1 winner was purchased last month by Yulong Investments with a long-term plan of contesting the Oct. 25 Cox Plate, a race the owners won last year with superstar mare Via Sistina (IRE). Carl Spackler left the care of United States trainer Chad Brown and was entrusted to Ciaron Maher, who oversaw the 5-year-old's trip to Britain for a first international test when lining up June 17 in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot. Sent off at 7-1 in the ten-strong field under James McDonald, Carl Spackler started keenly and looked in with a chance down the home straight, but he eventually faded to finish sixth behind Docklands (GB). Carl Spackler holds an entry in the Sussex Stakes (G1) at Goodwood July 30, but Maher's assistant trainer Jack Turnbull did not outline a specific target when telling racing.com he would stay in Britain for one more race as part of his Cox Plate preparation. "The Cox Plate was voiced, as it's our premier race," Turnbull said. "We know he's effective at a mile with three grade 1 wins, but his grand final is probably going to be the Cox Plate (over 1 1/4 miles). "We haven't etched out a path yet as to how he'll get there."