Cannyescent ready for its biggest test at Eskimo Prince Stakes

CannyescentTHE Gabrielle Englebrecht-trained Cannyescent faces its biggest test to date in the $150,000 Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes at Randwick this Saturday.

The promising gelding, paying $11 at Sportsbet.com.au, will do battle against the likes of Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes-winner Pride Of Dubai, Group 1 Champagne Stakes place-getter Tarquin and two-time Listed winner Counterattack in what is an impressive field.

The three-year-old by Canny Lad was an outstanding winner on Australia Day when overcoming traffic problems to record a narrow Rating 71 win and Englebrecht is pleased with how it has come through the run.

“Canny has pulled up very well,” Englebrecht said.

“He’s a pretty relaxed kind of horse and very professional, so despite a tough run, he’s taken it all in his stride.”

Cannyescent took its career win tally to two wins from four starts and it needed to dig deep to score at Randwick on January 26. With many runners heading wide on the Soft 7 surface, jockey Tye Angland – who will again partner Cannyescent this Saturday – was forced to switch to the inside of runners and sprint off a limited wind up.

The win confirmed to Englebrecht that her stable star has what it takes to run against some of the very best thoroughbreds in Sydney, but she was pleased to see two notable Group 1 performers drop away after nominations.

“I think he’s becoming quite used to being unlucky in his runs,” Englebrecht said.

“Because he is a back marker, you’re at greater risk of running into trouble. He had to make his own run in the worst part of the track and still managed to keep fighting when he is still learning too, so I think that gives his run a lot of credibility.

“It’s an extremely strong field with Group 1 winners to contend with. I was glad to see that Japonisme and Press Statement are out.”

Both of Cannyescent’s wins have come on rain-affected tracks and with showers predicted for later in the week, conditions should suit come start time at 4.25pm, but Englebrecht doesn’t see her gelding as a wet-track specialist.

“I think he appreciates a soft track and handles it, but I don’t think the firmer surfaces are a problem for him either,” Englebrecht said.

“I think he is very effective on both.”

Prior to the barrier draw, Englebrecht was hoping for either gate six or seven, but she wasn’t overly concerned about drawing the outside in barrier 11 on Wednesday.

“The barrier [is] not a huge concern as he is ridden back anyway,” she added.

Englebrecht has lofty expectations and plans for Cannyescent, but is hoping it can prove its worth against a top field over 1200 metres, which isn’t its best distance.

“I want to see him flashing home down the outside and proving competitive against these top liners,” Englebrecht said.

“1200 [metres] is still short of his best distance so it’s going to be a big ask for him, however, we have a lot of faith in him also.”

Eskimo Prince Stakes betting market

Opening market offered by Sportsbet.com.au.

1. Pride Of Dubai – $4.00
2. Tarquin – $13
3. Counterattack – $4.20
4. Shards – $41
5. Torgersen – $26
6. Zoutenant – $26
7. Voilier – $17
8. Wolf Cry – $5.00
9. Spill The Beans – $6.00
10. Le Romain – $17
11. Cannyescent – $11

The $4 on offer for current favourite Pride Of Dubai is value compared to other bookmakers, which are offering $3. The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained colt is resuming after winning the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes and will be using this run to prepare for bigger targets later this summer.

Punters are also getting a good price for Tarquin and Cannyescent. Tarquin finished second last start and its form has been in and around some of Australia’s best young talent.

Cannyescent won’t stay in double-figure odds for very long after impressing at Randwick on Australia Day. The three-year-old has plenty of talent and is a genuine place chance in this.

Le Romain is a single-figure chance with the TAB, so why not get involved with Sportsbet and get the $17 on offer? It’s these prices which are constantly being offered by the likes of Sportsbet and CrownBet, which make them so popular.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments