A course-proper gallop at Caulfield has I’m Thunderstruck (NZ) (Shocking) in perfect order at his second try at winning a Group One race.
The Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr.-trained son of Melbourne Cup winner Shocking is set to contest the Toorak Handicap (1600m) on Saturday.
I’m Thunderstruck was a “flashing light run” when third to Sierra Sue (NZ) (Darci Brahma) and Dice Roll (Showcasing) at his Group 1 debut in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 18.
Price declared I’m Thunderstruck spot on after his workout on Saturday morning when ridden by Jye McNeil who will have the ride on Saturday.
“Jye Mcneil got up out of bed following his late night at The Valley on Friday to come and work him,” Price said.
“He worked on the course proper. His work was good, and he’s spot on for the Toorak.”
Price said it was a tragedy to see I’m Thunderstruck defeated in the Sir Rupert Clarke which the trainer dubbed “The Pinball Stakes”.
“This is what happens when jockeys play jockeys against each other,” Price said.
“When jockeys hold you in, it’s called a racing incident, which I accept, but it doesn’t make it great to watch.”
I’m Thunderstruck, a winner of four of his seven career starts, is one of 17 entries for the handicap race where he will again be pitted against Sierra Sue and Dice Roll on Saturday.
Also among entries is six-time winner from seven starts Elephant (NZ) (Shocking), last start Balaklava winner Winning Partner (Dawn Approach) and runner-up Second Slip (NZ) (Alamosa), Superstorm (Sebring) and Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park).
I’m Thunderstruck heads the betting with TAB at $3 ahead of Elephant at $5 and Tofane at $6 ahead of the final field being declared on Wednesday.
Last start Group 1 Underwood Stakes winner Zaaki (Leroidesanimaux) will be out to consolidate favouritism in the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley on October 23 when he lines up in the Gr.1 Might And Power Stakes (2000m) on Saturday.
Only 10 horses’ have been nominated to tackle Zaaki including last start Underwood runner-up Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel), Colette (Hallowed Crown), who was scratched from the Turnbull Stabes at Flemington last Saturday, Delphi (Galileo), Elephant, three-year-old Forgot You (NZ) (Savabeel) and Nonconformist (Rebel Raider).
Zaaki has opened the $1.25 favourite with TAB with the final field also to be declared on Wednesday.
