Trainer Robert Heathcote would love to change race tactics with sprinter Privlaka but is resigned to again having him ridden on the pace at Doomben.

Privlaka showed he wasn't far off top stakes company when fifth in the Group Two Victory Stakes at Doomben three weeks ago.

"He was beaten only 2-1/2 lengths and it was weight-for-age which didn't suit him," Heathcote said.

Privlaka is entered for the Group One Stradbroke Handicap on June 9 but will need to show top form in the Group Three BRC Sprint (1350m) on Saturday.

"He would have to run first or second for us to press on to the Stradbroke. The Glasshouse Mountain Sprint at the Sunshine Coast might suit him bette," Heathcote said.

Heathcote has always held a big opinion of Privlaka but believes the closure of Eagle Farm has held the gelding back.

"I know I sound like a broken record. But he is one of hundreds of horses who have been hit by no Eagle Farm," Heathcote said.

"I have always thought he would be best ridden quietly back in the field with cover. You can do that on a big track like Eagle Farm but at Doomben you have to be on the pace."

"In other words we have been forced to ride him the wrong way for three years."

Top Melbourne jockey Craig Williams will have a rare ride for Heathcote on Privlaka who is raced by many of the owners of the champion sprinter Buffering.