Red Can Man’s campaign comes to a close after Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes

Star Albany galloper Red Can Man will have a well-earned spell after running sixth in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday.

Local trainer Steve Wolfe surprised many by backing Red Can Man up in a second straight $1 million feature race but after six runs this campaign he is now headed for the paddock.

The four-year-old gelding was backed into a clear second favourite on TABtouch at $7.50 when they jumped and got a great run throughout the Winterbottom Stakes.

Jockey Shaun McGruddy settled Red Can Man on speed and pulled out four wide around the home corner, but he faded in the home straight to run sixth, beaten less than three lengths by the winner Elite Street.

Wolfe said he was pleased with Red Can Man’s performance dropping back to 1200m.

“I thought his run was quite good, he was beaten by less than three lengths,” he said. “Without running into the money I thought it was a brave effort after backing up after the Railway.

“He hasn’t won this campaign but he has certainly given his all and taken us on a great ride.

“He will most likely go out for a spell now.”

Red Can Man, a winner of seven races from 18 career starts, has run in two Group 1s, one Group 2 race and two Group 3 events this campaign, which started with a fourth in the Listed Black Heart Bart Stakes at the end of September.

From his six runs this preparation, Red Can Man has only finished outside the top four twice.