Cannonball to clear quarantine in Australia

Last updated: 1/10/10 4:37 PM

Cannonball will be the first American-trained horse to race in Australia
(Hong Kong Jockey Club)

Ken and Sarah Ramsey’s globetrotting sprinter CANNONBALL (Catienus)
is scheduled to clear quarantine in Australia on Tuesday and settle into
his new quarters at Flemington Racecourse in advance of the January 30
Lightning S. (Aus-G1), according to racingandsports.com.au. The Wesley
Ward charge will be housed in the stable of trainer David Hayes.

“We’re very fortunate to be able to call upon the support and
guidance of David, who is a good friend of mine,” said Ward’s traveling
foreman, Declan Murphy.

The first American-trained horse to line up in an Australian race,
Cannonball is reportedly doing well as he eyes his history-making start
in the about five-furlong dash down the Flemington straightaway.

The Lightning is the first leg of the 2010 Global Sprint Challenge,
but Cannonball is already a veteran of the series, having participated
in three legs of the 2009 Global Sprint Challenge. The New York-bred
competed twice at Royal Ascot last June, following up a sixth in the
King’s Stand S. (Eng-G1) with a near-miss second in the Golden Jubilee
S. (Eng-G1).

Cannonball’s third attempt in the Global Sprint Challenge came in the
December 13 Hong Kong Sprint (HK-G1), where he did not run up to form
and wound up a disappointing 10th. He had spiked a fever after shipping
into Hong Kong, a complication that has not arisen since arriving in
Australia.

“Everything’s going really well, so we’re very pleased with his progress,”
Murphy said. “He’s settled in much better than Hong Kong where he gained a
temperature. He’s taken to Sandown (Quarantine Center) very well and has enjoyed
galloping on the turf.”

In addition to his international forays, Cannonball also made his
presence felt in the United States last season. The dark bay gelding was
narrowly beaten in the Shakertown S. (G3) at Keeneland and Aegon Turf Sprint
(G3) at Churchill Downs prior to leaving for England, and upon his return, he
captured the Commentator S. at Saratoga. Cannonball then reported home third in
the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita before embarking for Hong Kong.

“Being the first (American) horse out here (in Australia) means it’s a
learning curve for us all, but he’s a quality sprinter and we’re excited about
what lies ahead,” Murphy said.