Impeccably-bred colt Cantonese overcame difficulties to post his first victory at Randwick on Monday but trainer John O’Shea kept the lid on his prospects.
The three-year-old is by leading sire Redoute’s Choice out of Kylikwong, a full-sister to reigning Horse of the Year Typhoon Tracy.
He was offered at the 2009 Magic Millions sale but retained by his breeder Gerry Harvey when he failed to reach his reserve.
Runner-up on debut at Kembla Grange last month, Cantonese surprised punters who sent him out at $21 in the Waverley Handicap (1550m).
Christian Reith substituted for Brenton Avdulla who was stranded in Melbourne due to flight problems caused by ash from the Chilean volcano.
Reith had a few problems of his own when he struggled to get clear running then lost his whip at the 200m mark.
It ended well with Cantonese beating Big Bear Rock by a half head.
“He’s a lovely horse,” O’Shea said.
“He had bit of a foot problem after Kembla but that settled down and he’s right now.
“We’re not aiming too high at the moment.
“There are BOBS bonuses to be won while he’s still a three-year-old and we’ll just take him through his classes.”
Reith has surged his way into the top 10 riders in Sydney this season after a chequered career during which he has battled depression.
He has become the go-to man for many trainers including Peter Snowden who has used him frequently on his Darley team.
“A lot went wrong and then I lost my whip at the 200,” he said.
“It was good to see him get there in the end.”
AAP TURF
