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| Sumita Pawar |
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Cannonball was the surprise inclusion among the Australian-trained horses for Royal Ascot 2023, but as the carnival draws nearer, there is growing belief that the lightly raced colt is not just there to make up the numbers in the Kings Stand Stakes (1000m).
Coolangatta VS Cannonball: Stakes High At Ascot
While Cannonball has not received the same mainstream attention as two-time Group One winner Coolangatta, he is rapidly rising through the ranks and could reach new heights in England.
After starting his career in stakes company for Anthony and Sam Freedman, he secured a 2YO Stakes win at Caulfield before a stable change landed him in the care of Peter and Paul Snowden.
His form on dry ground compared to rain-affected tracks shows he appreciates firm footing, which is generally what is expected at Royal Ascot.
Cannonball completed his preparations with a trial at Flemington alongside Coolangatta and Artorius, where he impressed with his sharpness and ease of travel.
While Coolangatta is Australia's best hope of winning the Kings Stand Stakes, it would not be a shock if Cannonball caused an upset and took a major end of the prize.