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3YO Sound Of Cannons now acquired by OTI Racing is being targeted at the Melbourne Spring Carnival. Trained by Brian Meehan, the gelded son of Nathaniel has been well-placed during his European 2YO and 3YO career.
OTI Racing's managing director Terry Henderson hopes to see him develop into a long-term staying prospect, as reflected by his pedigree after his shift to Australia.
The sister of his dam, Rock Choir, won six Stakes races for William Haggas including the 2004 Gr. 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh as a 5YO mare.
"He is definitely a high-quality horse. Out of his eight career starts, six have been at Group or Listed level," said Henderson.
"We feel that a new environment and different training approach will see him grow into himself and really enhance his abilities."
Henderson envisages Sound Of Cannons will race in Gr.3 handicaps such as the Bendigo Cup (2400m) and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) before continuing his career in Sydney for Randwick-based trainer John O'Shea.
Sound Of Cannons won a strong 2YO novice race at Newmarket's July Course on debut last August and then place second to Pyledriver in the Ascendant Stakes (L) at Haydock the following month.
Sound Of Cannons was unplaced his next six starts in Stakes company and fourth on Heavy ground in his lone Gr.1 start in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud (2000m) last October, before dropping back to handicap company and finishing third in a respectable 3YO contest over 2412m during Glorious Goodwood.
Sound Of Cannons will be one of four, possibly five, OTI horses brought to Melbourne for the Spring Carnival, along with San Huberto, Mr. Satchmo, and True Self.
Last year's Lexus Stakes winner Downdraft may not make the trip to Australia this spring as previously hoped.
The recently gelded son of Camelot was diagnosed with a minor health issue midway through this year and it appears increasingly likely he will run out of time to build sufficient fitness under trainer Joseph O'Brien before horses enter quarantine at Newmarket.