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Cannons set to fire in Ramsden

3 minute read

Sound Of Cannons is set to back up in the Andrew Ramsden Stakes at Flemington after scoring a midweek victory at Sandown.

Trainer : JOHN O'SHEA after, I AM LETHAL winning the Petaluma (Bm72)
Trainer : JOHN O'SHEA after, I AM LETHAL winning the Petaluma (Bm72) Picture: Martin King / Sportpix

Having gone more than 1000 days without a win, the connections of Sound Of Cannons are hoping to win twice in the space of three days. 

Sound Of Cannons scored in the Ladbrokes Switch Handicap (2400m) and will back-up in the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday. 

Success in the Ramsden Stakes provides the winner a ballot exemption into the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington in November. 

Sound Of Cannons was a debut winner at Newmarket in 2019 and had a further seven runs in Europe, without success, before making his way to Australia and joining the John O'Shea stable. 

Wednesday's victory came at his 19th start in Australia which also coincided with his first run racing left-handed since his arrival. 

Ridden by Jamie Kah, Sound Of Cannons ($6) scored by 2-¼ lengths from Irish Butterfly ($4) with the $3.50 favourite Teofilo Star a further 2-¾ lengths away. 

OTI Racing's Terry Henderson, a part-owner of the stayer, said he hopes he doesn't have to wait another 1000 days to see another win from Sound Of Cannons. 

"This horse raced very well left-handed over in Europe and hadn't raced that way in Australia," Henderson said. 

"It was worthwhile having a shot at the stumps to bring him down and if he went well to back him up." 

Henderson said Saturday's Ramsden Stakes had not always been a target for Sound Of Cannons. 

He said the Group 1 Sydney Cup, run last month at Randwick, had been under consideration. 

"He's a lovely horse and John has always had a lot of time for him, but he was probably his own worst enemy as he would tug in his races, wouldn't settle, and was always a little nervy," Henderson said. 

"Today was going to decide whether he went on to Saturday or goes to the paddock. 

"Fortunately, it's gone the right way." 


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