O'Brien targets outright Group 1 win in SA Derby with Cannae
Danny O'Brien as trainer will seek to mark off yet another achievement as Cannae competes in the South Australian Derby at Morphettville.
The handler has notched 23 Group 1 successes and has at times been part-owner in a few of those achievers.
To this point though, no horse fully owned by him has triumphed at the top tier, an omission he anticipates Cannae might remedy in Saturday's 2518m Group 1 three-year-old Classic.
"I've had shares in horses like Star Witness, Miami Bound that won Group 1 races," O'Brien said.
"But I've not won a Group 1 as an owner on my own, and it's a box I'd like to tick."
The gelding belongs to O'Brien along with wife Nina and faces his fifth start on Saturday, identical to the tally O'Brien's earlier Derby winner Russian Camelot had in 2020.
Cannae began at Sandown back in January, then took a maiden at Caulfield Heath during February, after which O'Brien signalled his Derby ambitions.
He recorded placings next in the Morphettville Guineas (1600m) and Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m), with O'Brien unfazed by the stiffer test ahead.
"He's done a good job. He's only run four times, and he's built nicely towards this," O'Brien said.
"We always thought he would stay and we think he's had a nice preparation to get to the 2500 (metres).
"He was off a five-week break last start and he's definitely better for it and you never know with the trip, but he's by Maurice and he gives us all the indications he will stay.
"We've taken our time with him to make sure he got there and he'll get his chance and I'm looking forward to seeing him in the Derby."
Acquired for $20,000 from the Magic Millions 2024 Adelaide Yearling Sale, Cannae drew international interest post his Caulfield Heath win and latest finishes, according to O'Brien.
"Like a lot of those offers, they come and they go and don't come through," O'Brien said.
"He's always for sale and sometimes you're happy they fall over, so he runs for me in the Derby."
In the latest wagering for the Derby, Cannae is a $26 shot with Accidental Bid, the first emergency awaiting clearance, installed at $2.70 favourite.
Visit the online bookmakers to find the keenest betting markets for the race at Morphettville.
More Racing News
De Bergerac's final preparation ahead of Santa Ana Lane Series
With a place already secured in next month's Santa Ana Lane Series Final, De Bergerac will have its final tune-up in this Saturday's qualifier for the Listed event.The Grahame Begg-trained five-year-old, a gelding, is set to contest the $150,000 open handicap over 1100 metres at Flemington.This race represents the last...
Asfoora set for Royal Ascot return with blinkers on
The pinnacle event, Grand Final Day, is fast approaching for Asfoora, and her trainer Henry Dwyer is anticipating an enhanced performance from his globe-trotting mare in the King Charles III Stakes on the first day at Royal Ascot.The seven-year-old daughter of Flying Artie, who triumphed in the 1005-metre Group 1...
Skyhook proves mile credentials in Gunsynd Classic success
Skyhook has successfully demonstrated his aptitude for the mile distance with a dominant performance in the Gunsynd Classic, now firmly establishing himself as a contender for the prestigious Golden Eagle in the spring.Co-trainer Sterling Alexiou confirmed that the promising three-year-old colt would be sent for a spell following his impressive...
Remedial trial work for See That Storm after debut setback
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr's stable has opted for remedial trial work for former European import See That Storm following a disappointing debut performance in Australia.The gelding finished at the tail of the field on his Australian debut at Caulfield on May 30, crossing the line more than 10...
Royal Supremacy dictates terms to win The Q22
In a performance reminiscent of Pride Of Jenni, the Ciaron Maher-trained Royal Supremacy dictated the pace from the outset to secure victory in The Q22 at Eagle Farm.Following the late withdrawal of Pride Of Jenni due to the Heavy 9 track, Royal Supremacy assumed the lead in the Group 2...
McDonald Triumphs in JJ Atkins Stakes, Sets New Group 1 Record
A champion indeed, Tron Bolt, under the expert handling of James McDonald, clinched victory in the prestigious Group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm. In doing so, McDonald etched his name in the record books, surpassing Malcolm Johnston's long-standing mark for group one wins in a single Australian...
Taylor Marshall celebrates maiden Group One win in Stradbroke Handicap
In a memorable moment, Taylor Marshall has secured his inaugural Group One victory in Queensland's most prestigious race, the Stradbroke Handicap, echoing his late father John Marshall's success nearly four decades prior.Piloting the Toby Edmonds-trained Spicy Martini ($13), Marshall steered the mare to a gripping triumph in the $3 million...
Straand Deal Maintains Winning Form
Trainer Lloyd Kennewell is contemplating a northern campaign or a spell for Straand Deal to prepare for the spring, after the gelding achieved his third straight win at Sandown.The gelding's triumph in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap over 2400m on Saturday was his first at the distance, following earlier...
Thebudgiesmugla's perfect 2400m record continues with Rosehill win
Emerging staying prospect Thebudgiesmugla has vindicated the decision to forgo the Brisbane Cup in favour of a Listed race at Rosehill, maintaining its unblemished record over 2400 metres.Trainer Bjorn Baker, currently overseas to oversee the Royal Ascot campaign of sprinter Overpass, opted for Saturday's The Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m)...
Coeur Volante finds winning form again at Sandown
The decision to recommence training for Coeur Volante has yielded positive results, with the mare emerging victorious at Sandown.Her triumph in the IVE> Handicap (1400m) on Wednesday represented her second start for her new custodians, who secured her for $500,000 last spring via Widden Stud and Bangaloe Stud.Coeur Volante had...