Sounds Unusual shows promise at Canterbury

[Wandering Eyes]

New Zealand-bred gelding Sounds Unusual hinted at a bright future over staying distances with a maiden victory in the A$100,000 Ranvet Plate (1900m) at Canterbury on New Year’s Day.

The four-year-old began his career only a month ago, finishing strongly from last to run second over 1500m at Newcastle on December 1. He produced another late run for third over 1900m at Canterbury on December 13, earning $1.45 favouritism for his third career start on Wednesday.

Sounds Unusual was ridden patiently by Nash Rawiller, who took up a midfield position before angling his mount into a gap two off the fence at the top of the home straight. Sounds Unusual gradually built up his momentum and surged past the leaders, stretching out well to win by just under a length.

“The barrier (gate two) probably helped him today and he had the right run,” Rawiller said. “He’s still learning his craft. He’s a bit of a big, gangly kid and a bit of a dope. He did a good job to win here today on a small track.

“He’s got good scope and will keep improving. I reckon he’s still six months away. He’s been given the time to mature, and a bit more of that mental and physical maturity will take him a long way.”

The Chris Waller-trained Sounds Unusual has now had three starts for a win, two placings and A$60,950 in stakes.

Sounds Unusual was bred by Letham Stud’s Nigel and Adaire Auret, who put him through his early paces in the Marton stable of their son Fraser. He was a 1000m trial winner at Foxton in October before being privately sold across the Tasman to one of Waller’s major clients, the Muollo family. Waller’s wife Stephanie also shares in the ownership.

“It was a patient ride from Nash, but you’ve got to have the horsepower to show that patience, and he had that today,” Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said. “This is great for Tony Muollo, who’s a pretty passionate owner. He’s on course today, so it’s very pleasing to get a win for him.”

Sounds Unusual is a son of Letham Stud stallion Unusual Suspect, who has been credited with 46 winners from just 78 runners. Unusual Countess has won at Listed level, while five-race winner Unusual Legacy placed in this season’s Gr.1 Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) and Unusual Culture has been a multiple Group Three placegetter.

Sounds Unusual is the first foal to race out of the Perfectly Ready mare Perfectlyenchanted, who herself recorded six wins in a 37-start career. Perfectlyenchanted produced another colt by Unusual Suspect in 2021.

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