When Cannae steps out in the South Australian Derby at Morphettville, trainer Danny O’Brien will pursue a fresh accomplishment.
O’Brien’s record includes 23 Group 1 conquests, with partial ownership in some standout performers.
Up to now, though, a fully owned runner has eluded Group 1 glory for him, a gap Cannae might bridge in Saturday’s 2518m Group 1 event restricted to three-year-olds.
“I’ve had shares in horses like Star Witness, Miami Bound that won Group 1 races,” O’Brien said.
“But I’ve not won a Group 1 as an owner on my own, and it’s a box I’d like to tick.”
Cannae, owned by O’Brien and Nina his wife, reaches his fifth start Saturday, aligning with the races O’Brien’s previous Derby champ Russian Camelot had entered in 2020.
His initial appearance was at Sandown in January, followed by a maiden capture at Caulfield Heath in February that saw O’Brien reveal Derby targets.
Placings were earned thereafter in the Morphettville Guineas (1600m) and Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m), leaving O’Brien unworried by the extended distance.
“He’s done a good job. He’s only run four times, and he’s built nicely towards this,” O’Brien said.
“We always thought he would stay and we think he’s had a nice preparation to get to the 2500 (metres).
“He was off a five-week break last start and he’s definitely better for it and you never know with the trip, but he’s by Maurice and he gives us all the indications he will stay.
“We’ve taken our time with him to make sure he got there and he’ll get his chance and I’m looking forward to seeing him in the Derby.”
Sourced for $20,000 at Magic Millions 2024 Adelaide Yearling Sale, Cannae attracted international propositions after Caulfield Heath and his two most recent placings, O’Brien revealed.
“Like a lot of those offers, they come and they go and don’t come through,” O’Brien said.
“He’s always for sale and sometimes you’re happy they fall over, so he runs for me in the Derby.”
The gelding is listed at $26 in Derby ante-post betting as Accidental Bid, first reserve pending entry, holds $2.70 favouritism.
Discover racing odds across top sports betting platforms for the upcoming South Australian Derby.
