2011 Black Opal winner You’re Canny is set to take on some of the top spring carnival lead-up races in Sydney this year after returning from a long spell.

The Gratz Vella-trained two-year-old began his spell after finishing an unexpected last in the Group 2 Pago Pago Stakes at Rosehill in March, just two weeks after defeating Karuta Queen in his Black Opal conquest.

“His grand final was the Black Opal Stakes and he probably had enough by the Pago Pago,” Vella said.

“Not a lot went right for him in that race, we wanted to lead but he got well back in the field and his tongue got caught between the ring and the bit as well.”

Vella is confident that You’re Canny has returned from his break in top form and ready for the spring.

“He has returned very well and is a bit taller but hasn’t put on much muscle; that will probably come next time in,” Vella said.

“He just keeps improving all the time.

“Every time I have asked him to do a bit more he responds very well and has been handling everything I ask of him.”

You’re Canny is presently in pre-training in preparation for a mid-August return to racing.

“I will look to start his campaign in mid-August up in Sydney and then just take it from there depending on how he goes,” Vella said.

The Canny Lad gelding has won three of his five race starts and has amassed close to $200,000 in prize money.

The $40,000 yearling was purchased at the 2010 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

While all of You’re Canny’s wins have been over 1,000-1,200 metres so far, Vella believes he will be looking for the mile shortly.

“All of his trackwork has shown that when we eventually step him up to the mile that will be his best distance,” he said.

Karuta Queen, who was defeated by You’re Canny in their last meeting, is expected to begin her spring campaign with a start in the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes in early August.