Rattray now has to plot a course towards the Easter Cup in April conscious of the fact that he doesn't want to affect the gelding's handicap.

He believes that if Sunny Sanz is to have any chance of beating the state's best pacer Ryley Major he will need to start off the front.

"If he got the front and Ryley Major got 30m, we'd give ourselves half a chance," Rattray said.

"If Ryley Major wins the Tasmania Cup, he might get even more than 30m so, even though he's a very, very good horse, that will probably be the best time to have a tinkle at him."

Rattray doubts that Sunny Sanz will run in next month's Tasmania Cup although he will discuss the option with owner Nathan Bennett.

"The race I had in mind as a lead-up to the Easter Cup was a heat of the Lady Drivers Championship at Mowbray, because it's penalty-free, but I've now been told that's been moved," the trainer said.

"I'd like to have lead-up runs that aren't going to affect his handicap.

"Years ago when you had nice horses they could work their way through the classes.

"But I've been denied that opportunity with this horse - the owners lost $20,000 overnight when they brought in the new handicapping system."

Sunny Sanz, driven by Gareth Rattray, was having only his third start against older horses when he led virtually all the way in the Carrick Cup over the staying trip of 2650m.

It was his ninth win in 10 starts.

Chasing Cheetahs overcame a poor start and locking wheels with another runner to finish second with Buster William box-seating before finishing third.

Stewards reported that Sea Double Ugrant, Finn Mac Kee and Poker Storm were all severely checked.

Race 1: Kadar (T Rattray, T Rattray) 1, Vonns Angel (R Duggan) 2, Tilly Max (R Hillier) 3. 2.5m, 5m. 2:03.3.

Race 2: Resolute Ruler (R Hillier, J Castles) 1, Thatswhatilike (T Rattray) 2, Rainbow Phoenix (J Laugher) 3. 1m, 6.5m. 2:02.4.

Race 3: Beachboy Butch (B Woodsford, M Butler) 1, Prosecution Witness (C Crook) 2, Raffaello (T McDonald ) 3. 2.3m, 0.1m. 2:03.5.

Race 4: Krafty Boy (H Van Dongen, P Ashwood) 1, Thomas Burns (G Rattray) 2, Shadow Ross (R Hillier) 3. 0.1m, 3.5m. 2:02.6.

5- Carrick Cup: Sunny Sanz (G Rattray, K Rattray) 1, Chasing Cheetahs (R Ashwood) 2, Buster William (R Hillier) 3. 1.5m, 3.3m. 2:02.5.

Race 6: Heidi Go Seek (M Yole, B Yole) 1, Kissing Game (R Duggan) 2, Amendment Thirteen (R Hadley) 3. 1.5m, 1m. 2:01.1.

Race 7: Class Tells (T Rattray, B Mackrill) 1, Emjays Black Chip (J Laugher) 2, Major Seascape (R Duggan) 3. 0.3m, 1.5m. 2:05.6.