Red Can Man ready to step up in class

Highly rated galloper Red Can Man will face his biggest test yet, contesting the Listed $100,000 Fairetha Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday for the local Steve Wolfe stable.

The three-year-old has shot on to the scene after consecutive wins this preparation, including a win over boom filly Niccovi who has since run second in Listed company at Moonee Valley.

Red Can Man ran fourth to Boomtastic last start over 1200m and steps up in distance for the listed race with jockey Peter Knuckey retaining the ride he gained from the injured Shaun McGruddy.

The son of Gingerbread Man has drawn ideally in barrier two and will carry 55kg in the field of nine runners, as he looks to add to his record of two victories and three minor placings from six career starts.

Wolfe said Red Can Man will only get better but believed he can mix it with this company on Saturday. “He was a bit disappointing the other day but I think he won’t be far away,” Wolfe said. “He will be a better horse next preparation but his work has been good and he is in good order.

“We were going to abort and send him for a spell but he came through the last run pretty well so we’ll have a crack.

“I think Jericho Missile and Dig Deep are the two above him on weights so if he can follow them I’ll be pretty happy.”