Cannon has found his form

Cannon was a very useful three-year-old, originally trained by Mike de Kock, and he looked to have a bright future after winning two of his first four races. In fact, on debut he ran a 3.75-length third to Capetown Noir, who is a multiple Grade 1 winner.

He contested the Grade 3 Graham Beck Stakes and Tony Ruffel Stakes and was not disgraced. He was then considered good enough to run in the Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas but he was badly drawn and could only finish 11th, beaten 9.75 lengths by Tellina.

Then the wheels started coming off and after some disappointing runs Cannon moved to the Alec Laird yard. This son of Silvano was not there for long and after running 8.25 lengths behind Zanzibar Man, the decision was taken to send Cannon to Port Elizabeth.

Many horses need a run or two to settle down in a new centre but Cannon clearly found life very comfortable in Grant Paddock’s yard and had an exceptional local debut. Racing in a MR 90 Handicap over 1600m on the Polytrack Cannon stayed on well to run Indian Hawk to a long head.

It was a promising effort and if he does improve on that run, the five-year-old gelding should be able to go one better. He is well enough drawn at No 6, has Muzi Yeni in the irons and races off a handy weight of 54kg.

Swedish King has a very good record on the Polytrack with three wins and a place from five starts. Justin Snaith’s charge has won twice over the course and distance but he pulled up short in both of his last two starts – both on the turf—and there must be some question mark about his soundness.

Two Gun Kid has good form at the track but may not be able to give 7kg to Cannon while Cinderfella might enjoy this drop in distance from 1900m and could trouble the selection.