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Trainer Patrick Payne believes The Cunning Fox is ready to fire third-up at Sandown.

The Cunning Fox will be racing for a trip to the Gold Coast when he runs at Sandown. 

Lining up in the Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap (1800m) on Saturday, The Cunning Fox will be third-up into the contest. 

Trainer Patrick Payne has outlined plans to take the four-year-old to the Magic Millions race day at the Gold Coast on January 14, having chosen the $1 million Subzero Quality (2200m) as an ideal contest. 

The Cunning Fox has won three of his 10 starts and Payne believes the best is still to come. 

"I still think he's on the immature side and will keep getting better as time goes on," Payne told RSN. 

"He's pretty much an immature four-year-old racing against the older horses on Saturday, but he's tough and when he starts getting up in distance he can race up on the speed. 

"I think the 1800 metres will be ideal for him." 

The Cunning Fox has drawn gate three on Saturday and with the 1.5kg claim for Alana Kelly gets in on the minimum weight. 

As a three-year-old, The Cunning Fox showed staying promise, winning over 2200m at Bendigo before placings over 2400m at Caulfield and in the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) at Flemington. 

He found the 1400m trip too short when resuming at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day before hitting the line strongly over 1600m at Ballarat on November 19. 

Payne said it would not matter what track conditions are thrown up for The Cunning Fox as he has won on good and soft going. 

"Third-up he's coming along well, and he's still got a couple of more runs in him as he's still holding really good condition," Payne said. 

"If it comes up wet, it doesn't worry him. He's such an honest horse and really gives you run for your money, and we're keen to get up to the 2200-metre race at the Magic Millions on January 14."