Red Can Man is the latest confirmed starter in the $4 million The Quokka (1200m) after owner-breeder Neil Irvine locked in the quality sprinter as his replacement for Triple Missile.

Irvine’s hopes to run his Victorian-based sprinter Triple Missile in WA’s richest race were dashed when a bone chip had to be removed from one of his front legs last month.

Irvine, who owns a slot under his Rapid Equine Racing and Breeding banner, was thrilled to strike a deal with connections of Red Can Man.

The Steve Wolfe-trained gelding has won eight races, including the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield in 2021, and $1.15m in prizemoney.

“We were going to bring Triple Missile over but he had to have keyhole surgery,” Irvine said.

“It’s a shame I won’t have my own horse in it, but it’s good to have a quality WA horse like Red Can Man.

“Steve reckons he’s going really well and hopefully my luck is about to change.”

Red Can Man continued his consistent form with a first-up second to Acromantula in the Rock Magic Stakes (1000m).

The son of Gingerbread Man will tackle Saturday’s Group 3 Roma Cup (1100m) before The Quokka a fortnight later.

Meanwhile, Australian sprinter The Astrologist will take up an invite to race at Royal Ascot in June after his close second in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) in Dubai on Saturday night.

The Leon and Troy Corstens-trained gelding fell narrowly short for WA hoop Damian Lane, beaten by $51 roughie Danyah.

He will be transferred to UK trainer Marco Botti for the Royal Ascot carnival.