Patience proving the key with international performer

2 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

International Group 1 performer Giovanni Canaletto (IRE) (Galileo {IRE}) is showing the benefits of a patient and proven approach by trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott.

The well-travelled chestnut has been with their Matamata stable for 12 months, but it’s only now they are starting to get serious with him.

“He’s done three weeks work and he’s coming along really well, his legs are looking good and he’s settled into the stable well,” Scott said.

“He’s been in and out of work and we’ve tipped him out on the hills a few times. We wanted to get him familiar with the stable and he’s been very well-behaved the whole time.”

Giovanni Canaletto began his career in his native Ireland with Aidan O’Brien and broke his maiden at Leopardstown before finishing fourth in the G1 English Derby and third in the Irish Derby. He then relocated to Hong Kong firstly, with with Tony Cruz and then O’Sullivan’s brother Paul he failed to win in six starts but did run third in the G1 Hong Kong Derby.

He is owned by Hermitage Thoroughbreds, who also raced the now-retired 2016 Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) winner Willie Cazals (IRE) (Aussie Rules {USA}). “Willie had all the time off like this chap is having and that worked the oracle so we’re hoping it does again,” Scott said. Both horses suffered similar tendon issues.

Watch: Willie Cazals win the 2016 Group 1 Livamol Classic

“He’s obviously a very good horse and he would be competitive in our best races for sure,” Scott said. “We’re really looking forward to getting him back to the races.”

Giovanni Canaletto is out of Love Me True (USA) (Kingmambo {USA}), who has been a potent force on the European scene. She is also the dam of the multiple Group 1 winner and sire Duke Of Marmalade (IRE) (Danehill {USA}) and the G1 English Derby winner Ruler Of the World (IRE) (Galileo {IRE}).

The former has produced five individual top-flight winners at stud, including Simple Verse (IRE) and Big Orange (GB) while Ruler Of The World is in the early stages of his stallion career at Coolmore.