Racing: Cannonball aimed at top sprint

MELBOURNE - American sprinter Cannonball will leave the Sandown Quarantine centre this week to take up residence with David Hayes at Flemington.

Cannonball is scheduled to become the first US-trained horse to compete in Australia when he lines up in the Lightning Stakes at Flemington on January 30.

Travelling foreman Declan Murphy said Cannonball had settled in well after experiencing some problems in Hong Kong, where he was unplaced in last month's International Sprint.

"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 very well and has enjoyed galloping on the turf."

Cannonball was to have left quarantine yesterday. "He'll be stabled with David Hayes under my care," Murphy said. "We're very fortunate to be able to call upon the support and guidance of David, who is a good friend of mine.

"Being the first American horse out here means it's a learning curve for us all, but he's a quality sprinter and we're excited about what lies ahead."

The winner of four of his 20 starts, Cannonball is trained by Wesley Ward for Ken Ramsey.

The Lightning Stakes (1000m) is the first group one race in Australia for 2010 and is the first leg of the Global Sprint Challenge.

"We understand it's a hot race and you need a good horse to win, so we're hoping our preparation continues without any hitches," Murphy said.

"Wesley has done a great job with this horse and his performance at Ascot was fantastic, so we'll be looking for him to reproduce a performance like that."

The gelding was runner-up in the group one Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June after running sixth in the King's Stand won by Australian Scenic Blast.

Australian stars All Silent, Apache Cat and Racing To Win have been in quarantine with Cannonball since returning from the Hong Kong International meeting in December.

The Lightning is among the options for All Silent and will also herald the return of unbeaten filly Black Caviar and Irish Lights from the Hayes stable.

The Global Sprint Challenge is held over eight races in four racing precincts: Australia, United Kingdom, Japan and Hong Kong during 2010.

- AAP