Caulfield Heath win positions Cannae as potential Derby runner

Danny O'Brien, the trainer, is open to approaches from Hong Kong investors post Cannae's first-up success at Caulfield Heath.

That said, he's eyeing interstate Derby opportunities for the three-year-old, fresh from his second-start triumph in Wednesday's Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1500m).

The trainer spent $20,000 acquiring the Maurice colt at Adelaide's Magic Millions yearling sale, planning to race the gelding under his banner.

Teaming with spouse Nina, O'Brien recalled Cannae being a late-born foal and compact in stature when bought, now 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."

According to O'Brien, Cannae hasn't attracted overseas offers to date, but Wednesday's performance could spark some.

"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 mature into this kind 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."

With Damian Lane riding as the $2.80 market leader, Cannae edged Peeaitchdee ($3) by a short neck, as Somethingintheair ($13) trailed by a length in third place.

In his debut run at Sandown a month ago, Cannae came from off the pace, and the trainer reports marked enhancement in the gelding.

"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."

Check the online bookmakers for competitive markets on Cannae in the Derby races.