Champagne Cuddles to tackle Group One Cup

Brilliant Sydney filly Champagne Cuddles has had a last-minute change of plans and will run in the Group One Kingsford-Smith Cup (1350m) at Doomben.

Champagne Cuddles was expected to be a short-priced favourite for the Group Three Fred Best Classic (1350m) which is a ballot-free race for the Group One Stradbroke Handicap.

The filly has drawn barrier 10 in a field of 11 and will be ridden by Corey Brown.

It is understood the change was made at the owners request.

Most bookmakers have Champagne Cuddles on the third line of Stradbroke betting but she will shorten dramatically if she confirms her place with a win in the Kingsford Smith.

Not many three-year-old fillies contest the Stradbroke but they have an outstanding record in the race.

Dane Ripper, Private Steer and La Montagna have won the Stradbroke as three year old fillies in the past 20 years.

Champagne Cuddles showed she had recovered from a knee chip operation by running a course record when she won the Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) at her last start.