Albany trainer Steve Wolfe hails run of star Red Can Man after sixth in inaugural $4 million The Quokka

Star Albany galloper Red Can Man did himself proud in the inaugural $4 million TABtouch The Quokka, according to trainer Steve Wolfe. It was a huge thrill for Wolfe and connections to have a runner in WA’s first slot race and Red Can Man produced a gallant performance to finish sixth in the field of 14. Red Can Man ($26) raced in the Rapid Equine Breeding slot for the 1200m feature race and his large group of predominantly Albany-based owners were trackside at Ascot on Saturday. After the controversial barrier draw, Red Can Man jumped from barrier 11 and was delivered a peach ride by jockey Shaun McGruddy. McGruddy landed the six-year-old in a plum spot third, one of the fence, in running despite the awkward draw. Red Can Man turned for home in third spot and battled on bravely to finish sixth, beaten 1.6 lengths by the Sydney sprinter Overpass. Trained by Bjorn Baker, Overpass ($12) was sent to the front by Group 1-winning Sydney hoop Josh Parr and fought on strongly to beat WA star Amelia’s Jewel ($2.80 favourite) by a short half-head. Red Can Man ran an identical final 600m time as Overpass, 34.87sec., and Wolfe said it was another brave display from his stable star. Connections picked up $100,000 for sixth place in the riches of The Quokka where the winner pocketed $2 million. “He probably wasn’t as good as he was the week before, there were a couple of little things that didn’t go right,” Wolfe said. “Shooter (McGruddy) said he didn’t hit the line as good as the previous start but he was brave and he’s a wonderful horse. “He did us and himself proud. Wolfe said the error at the barrier draw was costly to their chances — going from gate five initially to 11 in the end. “It probably cost Amelia’s Jewel the race and us maybe top three,” he said. “It really did matter for us, we went from a plum position to that and while we got a brilliant ride it still took a toll on him getting into that spot. It was sad the way it played out and poorly organised, people pay big money and we had a chance to finish in the big end of the prizemoney. “In saying that it was a wonderful innovation and hopefully will be bigger and better next.” Wolfe’s golden city run continued at the Ascot meeting, finishing with a winning double on Saturday. Classic Rouge won earlier in the day over 1800m before rising four-year-old Knot Secret won the final race of the day over 1400m, with McGruddy in the saddle for both wins.