Albany star Red Can Man with ideal draw as trainer Steve Wolfe chases Group 3 glory

Red Can Man’s hopes of a Group 3 win were boosted when the star Albany gelding drew barrier three for the $1.5 million TABtouch Gold Rush (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday.

The Steve Wolfe-trained galloper will contest the third feature race of the Pinnacles carnival along with seven-year-old mare This’ll Testya who drew barrier 16.

Jockey Shaun McGruddy will again ride Red Can Man and will have to contend with a stellar field of 16 runners in the inaugural Gold Rush that also features the likes of Vilana, Kissonallforcheeks, Kementari and Elite Street.

The Albany star will be looking to bounce back from a 12th place finish in the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) on November 26 behind Paulele which came after a promising second in the Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) on November 12.

Red Can Man raced on speed just off the leader Indian Pacific in the Colonel Reeves Stakes and was only cut down late by This’ll Testya.

The jump to 1400m will suit Red Can Man, who has won twice over the distance.

Vilana was a $4 favourite in betting for the Gold Rush on Wednesday with Kissonallforcheeks ($4.60) and Kementari ($9) also under double figures. Red Can Man was listed a $16 chance in the race.

A strong contingent of Albany owners will be hopeful This’ll Testya can better his third-placed finish in the Winterbottom Stakes and claim Group 3 glory.

The speedy mare is a $14 chance from the wide draw.

Meanwhile Albany will hold an eight-race card at Percy Spencer Racecourse on Friday.

The meeting will start at 1.42pm and finish at 5.54pm with a terrific field of 14 to contest the Wellington & Reeves Handicap (1230m).