He is yet to fire in two Australian starts but a turnaround in attitude in the past month has Gai Waterhouse anticipating a much-improved showing from Cannonball in the Missile Stakes.Waterhouse said the former American-trained sprinter, a triple stakeswinner in the US, turned the corner in recent weeks after being well beaten in his first barrier trial of the campaign at the beginning of last month.The gelding's presence in the season's first stakes race in Sydney on Saturday adds intrigue to a

He is yet to fire in two Australian starts but a turnaround in attitude in the past month has Gai Waterhouse anticipating a much-improved showing from Cannonball in the Missile Stakes.

Waterhouse said the former American-trained sprinter, a triple stakeswinner in the US, turned the corner in recent weeks after being well beaten in his first barrier trial of the campaign at the beginning of last month.

The gelding's presence in the season's first stakes race in Sydney on Saturday adds intrigue to an already fascinating Group Three weight-for-age contest.

Cannonball will line up against Group One weight-for-age winners Danleigh and Sniper's Bullet along with last-start June Stakes winner Love Conquers All.

Waterhouse sat in the grandstand at Randwick on July 2 and watched as Cannonball finished fifth in a 740m trial.

"Disappointing," the trainer said at the time.

But Waterhouse soon changed Cannonball's training around and said she has seen a "huge difference" in recent weeks.

The sprinter showed encouraging signs on July 19 when winning a 1250m trial by five lengths.

"I think he'll run really well," Waterhouse said ahead of the Missile.

"When I got him he was tired, he was cranky, he'd been to three or four different countries without a break and had just had enough.

"But he's a very happy chappy now, he's fit, and I think he'll run a very good race at good odds."

Cannonball arrived Down Under at the beginning of the year but failed to fire in both the Lightning Stakes when trained by Wesley Ward, and also the Newmarket Handicap at his first start for Waterhouse.

Prior to heading to Australia, the gelding's international experience included running second in last year's Group One Golden Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot.

Cannonball was rated a $16 chance with TAB Sportsbet on Friday with the John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes-trained Love Conquers All the $1.70 favourite at his first weight-for-age start.

Love Conquers All hasn't raced for eight weeks since winning the Listed June Stakes defeating Hay List.

Jim Cassidy will ride at his first city meeting in the same period after he had a pin removed from his ankle and had arthroscopic surgery on his knee after riding Love Conquers All in the June Stakes.

"The form around him is very good and his last win before a break was good," Cassidy said.

"Hay List came out and showed that form in Queensland.

"Weight-for-age is another step up tomorrow but I don't see why he can't take the next step.

"He gives you an enormous feel, he's got a will to win and he's just a nice individual all over."