3 minute read
Trainer David Brideoake is confident Perth owned galloper Red Can Man will acquit himself well when the flashy chestnut makes his much-anticipated Melbourne debut at Flemington.
A dual Listed winner, Red Can Man runs first-up in Saturday's Jack Styring OAM Sprint over 1100m on the back of an impressive Traralgon trial when he let down strongly for rider Jamie Kah.
Red Can Man, who cost $50,000 at the 2018 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale, won seven races for Stephen Wolfe with signature wins in the Fairetha Stakes (1400m) and Bolton Sprint (1200m).
The Gingerbread Man gelding resumes first up after he finished sixth behind Elite Street in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot last November.
"We think he is in pretty good shape first up and I have no qualms about his conditioning," David Brideoake told The Races WA.
"He's had a good prep and is ready to go out there and have a try.
"My only concern is he'll be on rain affected ground on Saturday.
"There is a bit of rain due on Friday and again on Saturday.
"It's new ground for us, but I can tell you he has done well."
Brideoake said Red Can Man had bounced back strongly after being a little off colour when he arrived in Melbourne.
After a short let up he has been nursed along slowly and is back on track in readiness for his eastern states assault.
Brideoake says whatever happens on Saturday Red Can Man will only improve and get better.
He's confident he will measure up to top line racing.
"We think he is a really nice horse," Brideoake said.
"We think he is a really nice horse to train.
"He's a big powerhouse.
"But we haven't certainly pressed him hard for a first up.
"If we are going to aim him for something decent in the spring, we don't need to have him pinned down right now.
"So, I still think there is nice improvement coming from him.
"There are some pretty dam nice sprints in October and it would be nice if he ended up there."
Brideoake said he was delighted when given the nod by Wolfe to oversee Red Can Man's Victorian assignment.
"It's nice when one with a big engine arrives," Brideoake said.
"And he has a big engine.
"He'll measure up in Melbourne."
In a confidence boost for Brideoake, champion jockey Jamie Kah will partner Red Can Man in his Melbourne debut.
"That's got to be a consideration for punters," Brideoake said.
"She gets the best opportunity in most races in Melbourne.
"That's why she is riding so many winners.
"She has a high level of acceptance and that's why she rides the best."
