Cannae’s maiden victory at Caulfield Heath has trainer Danny O’Brien receptive to Hong Kong suitors approaching.
On top of that, interstate Derby possibilities beckon for the three-year-old subsequent to his win on second outing in Wednesday’s Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1500m).
The purchase of the son of Maurice for $20,000 occurred at Adelaide’s Magic Millions sale as a yearling, with O’Brien set on racing the gelding.
With partner Nina, O’Brien observed Cannae’s late foaling and smaller build upon procurement, now as a three-year-old.
“I really liked him at the sales, and he was in the last 20 lots and was one of those ones that fell through the cracks, so I thought I’d give this one a crack myself,” O’Brien said.
“I’ll speck some, keep some to trade, and some to race.”
No overseas interest has surfaced for Cannae per O’Brien, but the Wednesday outcome could shift dynamics.
“He was never going to be a horse that showed up in 800-metre trials,” O’Brien said.
“He was always going to be one that had to develop into being this type of racehorse.
There is a decent enough market for these sorts of horses and Hong Kong loves these sorts of horses, three-year-old’s that are still lightly raced with the potential of getting to the Derby.”
As $2.80 top pick under Damian Lane, Cannae held off Peeaitchdee ($3) by a short neck, Somethingintheair ($13) third a length further back.
The gelding’s Sandown debut last month saw him charge late from midfield, per O’Brien, who notes vast improvement.
“He’s building a foundation to being a pretty decent horse,” O’Brien said.
“He’s been picking up some pretty decent horses in his gallops. He has got that ability to quicken up and hit the line.
“His pedigree says, being by Maurice, he takes that leap at least to 2000 metres, so we’ve got plenty of options for at least the rest of his three-year-old year.
“We entered him last week for the Australian Derby, but that’s probably a bit soon and everything would have to fall into place, but there is also the South Australian Derby and Queensland Derby after that.”
Visit leading betting sites to find value in the betting markets for the race involving Cannae’s Derby prospects.