Trainer Pat Cannon, a veteran of the thoroughbred industry, currently has only one horse under his care.
That horse is Shultzy, who was withdrawn from a race at Geelong on Wednesday and is now slated to compete in the Listed RM Ansett Classic (2400m) at Mornington this Saturday.
Shultzy has been a consistent presence in the Cannon stable, joining as a two-year-old. Now a nine-year-old with 65 starts to his name, he has secured nine victories and placed second a further 10 times, demonstrating that he is still performing at his peak.
Cannon attributes Shultzy’s enduring career to his deep understanding of the horse.
“He’s been sensational for me,” Cannon said.
“I got him as an early two-year-old and he’s nine now, so he’s been around the stables for a long time.”
“I think being spoilt is one thing as to his longevity, but when you’re a small trainer, I just know him inside and out.”
“When he’s sore, I know when he’s feeling something and we usually work on it.”
“He is a high energy horse but doesn’t need the hard work and the vets and farriers have had a lot to do with his longevity because he’s got kissing-spine.”
“We haven’t had to operate on it, we’ve been able to treat it.”
“In the middle of his prep, he was missing the kick by a long way, and that was because of the kissing-spine, which was enough to stop him jumping.”
“When they power off, that’s when it really hurts them.”
Shultzy carried 60kg to victory at Sandown in July and most recently finished second to the promising Leonchroi, who is also competing on Saturday, at Sandown on September 2.
Earlier in his campaign, he outpaced Nearco Frod, who subsequently won at Flemington in early August, before experiencing EIPH (Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage) and finishing last in The Archer at Flemington on September 12.
“Leonchroi is more effective on the firmer deck than we are, but we’ve sparred with him a couple of times and also with Nearco Frod, and once he should have beaten him,” Cannon said.
“The form all around him is good, so here’s hoping on Saturday.” For those interested in betting on the RM Ansett Classic, check out the latest Australian betting sites.