3 minute read

Red Can Man is having his third crack at the G1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday and jockey Shaun McGruddy firmly believes the six-year-old has his best chance of winning it.

Boosting Shaun Mcgruddy's confidence levels was how well the Stephen Wolfe-trained gelding ran in the Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) two weeks ago after returning from a Melbourne spring campaign.

Having his first run back in Perth in nearly two months, Red Can Man raced on speed stalking the leader Indian Pacific and was only cut down late by This'Ll Testya to finish 3/4 length second.

Red Can Man, a winner in eight of 34 starts including three at black-type level, ran sixth in the 2020 Winterbottom Stakes and seventh last year behind Graceful Girl.

After niggly feet issues throughout his career, Shaun Mcgruddy says Red Can Man goes into this weekend's $1.5 million Winterbottom Stakes in the best shape of his life.

"Best ever, it's the best he's ever felt," McGruddy said on Tabradio.

"I think it's just because of his feet, but full credit to Wolfey (Steve) and the farrier.

"In the past he has hung out under pressure late, drifting under pressure.

"As long as he is in one piece come Saturday, he's in the best position possible to go as close as he can."

Red Can Man is one of 16 contenders for the Winterbottom Stakes, a line up that includes five interstate raiders.

Visitors from the east hold a strong record in Perth's premier sprint, winning nine of the past 14 editions of the race.

James Cummings and his Godolphin team are represented by up and coming four-year-old Vilana and Paulele, who took out the Schillachi Stakes in October.

Vilana arrives in Perth having won the Silver Eagle (1300m) at Randwick and The Hunter (1300m) at Newcastle.

After the success of Buffering in 2015-2013, Brisbane trainer Robert Heathcote will chase his third Winterbottom victory with Rothfire.

Leon and Troy Corstens will saddle up the Astrologist and Will Clarken Beau Rossa.

Rothfire, to be ridden by Damien Oliver, currently holds TABtouch favouritism before this afternoon's barrier draw.

At $5 he shades Vilana ($5.50) with Elite Street, the 2020 Winterbottom Stakes champion, $6.50 and Paulele $8.

Next in the market at $9 is Perth mare, Miss Conteki, a brilliant winner of the Crawford Stakes (1000m) and Prince Of Wales Stakes (1000m).

Her winning spree interrupted in last fortnight's Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m), but she lost no admirers after a slashing fifth to This'Ll Testya.

Against the on pace pattern, Miss Conteki stormed home from the tail of the field, running the fastest final 600m in 32.86sec.

"Miss Conteki probably has the best turn of foot of any horse in the state," McGruddy said.

"I hadn't watched the replay until last night (Monday) of the Colonel Reeves and it was the run of the race.

"I think whatever beats her wins the race."

Red Can Man is $16 for the Winterbottom.

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