Red alert at Belmont

Gingerbread Man’s winning run in town continued on Saturday when Red Can Man landed some big bets in the Denis Butko 80th Birthday Plate (1200m).

Originally quoted at $15 on Thursday, the Steve Wolfe-trainee firmed into $3.70 and was brave in the final furlong to edge out Niccovi (Nicconi).

Red Can Man is the fourth Belmont winner for Yarradale Stud sire Gingerbread Man this season following Neurological (LR Farnley Stakes), Smart Fox and Essential Spice. His Group 1 galloper Achernar Star is also ready to fire following a pleasing first-up fifth in the LR Birthday Stakes on Saturday.

“I was confident but didn’t get any of the $15 – they’re too clever for me,” Wolfe said while trying to supress a smile. “All credit to the horse and (Shaun) McGruddy. I thought they were gone for all money at the 200m.”

Red Can Man had been placed in Ascot and Belmont juveniles last season prior to a brilliant first-up victory at Northam on September 19. “They flew at Northam and McGruddy had trouble holding him slow enough. He’s still learning but settled beautifully today and I think we’ve got a lot to look forward to later this season.”

Bred by Ellie Giles at Korilya Stud, Red Can Man sold for $50,000 through Western Breeders Alliance at the 2018 Perth Magic Millions to Noel Carter’s Commercial Bloodstock Services.

He’s a half-brother to WA stakes winner Quilista (Scandal Keeper) who won the G3 Birthday Card Stakes in Sydney last year and the LR Bright Shadow Quality at Doomben in May. She was sold to Aquis Farm as a broodmare prospect for $950,000 at the Magic Millions National Sale in June.

Their dam Brocky’s Ace has foaled five winners and she has a yearling filly by Yarradale Stud champion War Chant (USA).

Gingerbread Man (Shamardal) also has Neurological primed for the LR Hannans Hcp (1400m) in Kalgoorlie this Thursday. He stands at Yarradale for a $4,400 service fee.

RED CAN MAN