Royal Ascot Contenders Step Out at Flemington

Tara Madgwick - Monday May 29

Royal Ascot contenders Coolangatta, Artorius and Cannonball all competed in a 900m jumpout at Flemington Monday morning with connections of two of the three horses well satisfied.

Cannonball finished second, Coolangatta third and Artorius a late closing fifth.

Cool

angatta’s co-trainer Ciaron Maher reportedly described her gallop as "plain" and will assess the daughter of Written Tycoon further before her planned departure on June 7.

Artorius is headed to the Group I Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) on the last day of Royal Ascot with connections believing he is in better shape than last year, while Coolangatta and Cannonball will go to the Group I King’s Stand Stakes (5f) on June 21 and Peter and Paul Snowden could not be happier with Cannonball.

Peter Snowden was delighted with Cannonball, who is flying under the radar somewhat having  only had one start at Group I level when he finished third to Mariamia in the ATC The Galaxy carrying just 50kg.

Cannonball has nothing to lose and much to gain at Royal Ascot - image Steve Hart

"He trialled great,'' Snowden told Racenet.

"You would be hard to please if you weren't happy with that trial.

Advertisement

"It is good to see him continue with the form he has been showing us this year.

"He is still a young horse, he's a three-year-old colt but he definitely has a lot of potential.

"I feel he is almost there now. He had a bit of a ‘puff' this morning and we won't do much more with him before he leaves for England.

"He won't do any more fast work but we might do some pacework on the weekend.

"When we get to England I'm hoping we can take him to Ascot to have a look at the track before his race.''

A powerhouse chestnut colt by Capitalist, Cannonball was a $975,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Newgate Farm draft for James Harron Bloodstock and runs for a syndicate of JHB clients.

A full brother to Group II winning sprinter Marine One from stakes-winning Snitzel mare Golconda, Cannonball will be looking to build his profile as a sire prospect for the future.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Spring Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Spring was in the air at Warwick Farm on Friday morning with a couple of heats for Group and Listed winners that included Lady Shenandaoh, Ceolwulf, plus Cups contender Sir Delius (GB).
Sires With Winners - Friday July 25
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Unbeaten Run Continues For Ole Kirk’s Daughter Ole Dancer
Successful in the Magic Millions SA 2YO Classic at Murray Bridge on debut back in March, the Peter Moody and Katherine Colemen trained filly Ole Dancer resumed at Sandown on Saturday, winning the Senet Gambling Law Experts Handicap (1200m) to remain unbeaten.
Winning Hat-Trick for Gold Standard 2YO
When an unheralded sire produces a Group I winner in their first crop as happened for Sebring stallion Gold Standard it can take a long time for the benefit of that early splash to take effect, but in his case the wait is nearly over and in the meantime Destiny’s Summit is a good reminder as to his merit.
Inglis Digital Now Online - G1 Winner Velocious the Star
The G1-winning Champion 2YO Velocious (Written Tycoon) has been joined by a host of outstanding racing and breeding prospects in a tantalising Inglis Digital July (Late) Online Sale catalogue.
Hello Youmzain Filly Wins NZ Last Stakes Race of Season
Talented juvenile filly Platinum Diamond made all posts a winner when she captured her second consecutive stakes victory in the last black type feature of the 2024-2025 racing season, the Listed Phils Electrical & Gypsy Caravans Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki.
St Mark’s Basilica Filly Impressive at Ascot
Due back at Coolmore Australia this spring, St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) had an impressive new winner overnight at Ascot in the UK where Princess Petrol stormed to victory.
Exciting Farnan Colt Wins for Mulberry Racing
A standout in the mounting yard on type at Randwick on Saturday, Farnan colt Nashville Jack has also been an eye-catcher at the recent trials in Sydney and he delivered on potential when resuming from a spell with a stylish win.
One to Watch Wins Again in Saturday Class
The half-brother to Group II winner Stretan Angel, lightly raced three year-old Brutal gelding Glorious Moments was in a class of his own at Randwick on Saturday.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Spring was in the air at the Warwick Farm trials with some of the big banger older stars in action and some exciting rising three year-olds that include a filly that has potential superstar written all over her.