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By John Schell

Randwick trainer John O’Shea is hoping to gain a start in the $3 million Big Dance with Strombus by winning Sunday’s Coonamble Cup.

O’Shea has prepared the winners of some of Australia’s biggest races, but said the Big Dance is an event he’d love to have success in.

Trainer John O'Shea (Pic: Bradley Photos).

“It’s innovative, it’s a race that anyone would want to win,” he said.

“It’s a race still in its infancy but it creates plenty of interest. A race that anyone involved with it would love to win.”

O’Shea has Strombus contesting Sunday’s Coonamble Cup from barrier one with Aaron Bullock taking the ride.

“He is a horse with plenty of talent,” said O’Shea.

“He’s won four of 19 and his win two starts back on the Kensington track at Randwick was very impressive.

“He was only beaten two and a half lengths last time out at Randwick and he is spot on for Sunday.”

O’Shea said Strombus has plenty of upside, and he is looking forward to the Coonamble event.

“He’s a horse that we have targeted at the Big Dance,” he said.

“He’s relatively lightly raced so there is plenty to look forward to.

“With four wins and another six placings to his name from 19 starts, he’s shown he’s pretty good.

“From the good barrier and with Bullock on, everything looks made to order on Sunday.”

O’Shea said while he is hoping that Strombus can get straight into the Big Dance with a win in the Coonamble Cup, he also has a couple other chances on the cusp of getting in.

“We’ve had Lion’s Roar and Cotehele run second in races that lead into the Big Dance,” said O’Shea.

“The winners of the lead up races get prefererence but we are trying to get their ratings up in the meantime as there is always a few that fall by the wayside.

“All of the team are racing well at the moment, so I couldn’t be happier with how things are going.

“If Strombus can come out and win at Coonamble, then I’m sure he’ll perform well in the Big Dance. It’s definitely a race I’d love to win.”

All the entries, form and replays for Sunday’s Coonamble meeting