Red Can Man gives Wolfe belief of first Guineas win
Jockey Peter Knuckey says Red Can Man must be respected as they attempt to win the Group 2 $500,000 Sky Racing WA Guineas (1600m) on Saturday at Ascot and deliver trainer Steve Wolfe his first success in the feature race.
Knuckey retains the ride on the star Albany three-year-old, which will give Wolfe a runner in the WA Guineas for the fourth consecutive year.
Lordhelpmerun, Three Secrets, One Short and Minus Looks have all represented the Albany trainer in the past three editions of the race, but without success.
After a brave victory over Jericho Missile in the listed Fairetha Stakes (1400m) this month, Red Can Man has drawn ideally in barrier five to further strengthen Knuckey’s confidence.
“He will be awfully hard to beat,” Knuckey said.
“We have drawn the right barrier and the two other fancies are drawn a bit awkward.
“He makes his own luck and last start when the pressure was on, he really toughed it out. I am really happy to be on him and with a good, clean run he can show his true colours.”
Knuckey has ridden the son of Gingerbread Man at his past two starts, replacing injured hoop Shaun McGruddy.
A winner at three of his seven career starts, Red Can Man was a $10 chance with TabTouch today. He galloped on the main grass in Albany on Monday and Wednesday this week, and Wolfe said his young star was primed for his biggest test yet.
“I’m as confident as you can be in a race like this,” Wolfe said.
“I think we are right in it, he hasn’t had any hiccups and all the way along, although I haven’t talked it up, this race has been his aim.
“These are hard races to win, the big players are always there but it’s a fantastic achievement for our organisation to be here.
“There has been no stone unturned on my behalf and with my staff, now it is up to him.”
Lordhelpmerun, which finished 13th in the WA Guineas last year, will contest the listed $100,000 Carbine Club Of WA Stakes (1400m) on Saturday, which is the opening day of the TabTouch Masters Carnival.
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