Trainer Desleigh Forster believes first-up specialist Cannyescent’s class will offset the gelding’s weight of 59kg in the Open Handicap at Doomben.
Cannyescent will be having his third run for Forster in Saturday’s 1110m-sprint after winning seven races in Victoria.
“He was placed in both his runs for me in the early spring and I decided to rest him with this time of the year in mind,” Forster said.
“Saturday’s race is the best on the program and he has to give weight to some smart horses. But he has raced in Group One company and none of the others can claim that.
‘Also he has only missed a place once in six previous first-up runs.
“He is a lovely old horse and I have had him at the beach which he has been enjoying.”
Cannyescent is being aimed at the Listed Goldmarket Handicap at the Gold Coast on March 16 but Forster expects a forward showing on Saturday.
“They should really fly in it but my bloke is on the fresh side and should be handier than normal,” she added.
The favourites for the race are Spurcraft and Tumbler who are preparing for Sydney trips after Saturday’s race.
Toowoomba trainer Charlotte White has targeted the Challenge Stakes at Randwick next month for Spurcraft who was a last-start Sunshine Coast winner.
Tumbler, who flew home from last to be second to Spurcraft at the Sunshine Coast, will be aimed at fillies and mares races in Sydney.
