A Group 1 victory in the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) has been an elusive goal for Red Can Man who will be contesting our premier sprint for the fifth time on November 30.
The Steve Wolfe-trained gelding (pictured) won the LR Fairetha Stakes (1400m) as a 3yo in 2019 but graduating to a Group 1 has been a bridge too far so far behind Elite Street (2020), Graceful Girl (2021), Paulele (2022) and Overpass (2023).
Yarradale Stud resident Gingerbread Man sired Red Can Man from Brocky’s Ace (Surtee) and he returns to racing this Saturday in the G3 Prince Of Wales Stakes (1000m) at Ascot. His first-up strike-rate is better than 30% and he’s opened at $11 in pre-post markets.
“We’re so proud of this bloke,” Wolfe said. “He’s the real deal and was pretty unlucky in last year’s Winterbottom.” With Paul Harvey aboard, Red Can Man flew home from the back-half of the field with a final 600m sectional in a sizzling 33.63s to finish fourth behind Sydney raider Overpass.
Bred by Korilya Stud owner Ellie Giles, he cost $50,000 from Western Breeders Alliance (as agent) at the 2018 Perth Magic Millions. Wolfe and bloodstock agent Noel Carter were the successful bidders and he’s earned over $1.54 million including Westspeed Bonuses of $277,000.
His older half-sister Quilista (Scandal Keeper) won to Group 2 level in Sydney and was sold as a broodmare prospect to Cressfield for $1 million at the 2021 Magic Millions National Sale on the Gold Coast.
His younger full-brother Daytona Pete (Gingerbread Man) also showed potential for Wolfe winning a Belmont barrier trial on Monday morning. He didn’t figure on debut behind Wind And The Lion (Written By) at Belmont in July but stewards reported he was held up for clear running until taken outwards at the 100m.
Daytona Pete is rated highly by many of the same part-owners that race Red Can Man and he has been nominated for the G2 WA Guineas (1600m) a week before the Winterbottom on November 23.
Gingerbread Man (Shamardal) is standing for a $5,500 (inc GST) service fee at Yarradale this season and stud manager Davy Hanratty can be contacted for bookings or further details on (08) 9574 6490 or 0429 326 904.
