Cranbourne trainer Allison Sheehan is convinced Tackleberry is ready to step up to a big-money race as she prepares to replicate a successful summer campaign for the gelding.

Sheehan months ago selected the $100,000 Fiesta Star Handicap (1200m) at Flemington but her decision was reinforced when Tackleberry outran a classy field to win at Sandown last month.

"We had this race earmarked because you don't get many 78 rating races that are $100,000 for three and four-year-olds," Sheehan said.

"We saw this race a fair way out - prior to his last win we looked at going there."

Sheehan was further convinced when Khalifa, who was second to Tackleberry at Sandown, finished third in a similar race at Flemington last Saturday.

"It's obviously going to be a step up. There are horses that are Group or Listed placed," she said.

"He went to rating 77 off his last win for a reason and it's probably been backed up a little bit by the form out of it with Khalifa coming out and running third on the weekend.

"I think he's going better than he's ever been and it's probably time that we stepped up a little bit in grade."

Sheehan has always ensured Tackleberry has his races spaced and plans to repeat her preparation from last year Tackleberry won at Mornington and posted three placings.

"He doesn't have a lot of hard galloping. He had a gallop this morning but he's a really sound clean-winded horse and keeps to himself," she said.

Sheehan relies heavily on advice from jockey Michael Walker, who told her last preparation that Tackleberry would be nearing his best form close to Christmas.

She will also listen to Walker if he decides the gelding should stretch out further but at this stage 1400 metres appears beyond him.

"He's been beaten a couple of times over 1400 just on the line," Sheehan said.

"I think he gets a little vulnerable at 1400 but they change and mature and learn more race tactics.

"When the jockey comes back and says put him up in trip we might do that - but we're not going to get any more money for going further," she said.