I’m Thunderstruck launched late to claim the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday, denying Alligator Blood of a third Group 1 win.
While Alligator Blood looked to have the race sewn up at the 200m mark, it was the race favourite who was able to get up right on the line under Mark Zahra, defeating Alligator Blood, while Mo’unga finished third after running second in this race last year.
2022 Makybe Diva Stakes Race Replay
After a fast-finishing second in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) when resuming a fortnight ago at Caulfield, the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained five-year-old proved he is one of the top milers in the country, claiming his second Group 1 win.
“He was pretty brave wasn’t he? He was in an awkward spot again, behind heels, and Alligator Blood was off and gone,” Michael Kent Jnr said.
“I thought, ‘he’s probably the best horse in the race Alligator Blood, we’re not going to run him down’ but it’s probably the beauty of Flemington.
“I was thinking what’s second prizemoney worth. That’s what I was thinking, at least they pay good prizemoney for second, but he’s pretty brave.”
The son of Shocking will now head to the Underwood Stakes (1800m), then the Might And Power Stakes (2000m), before aiming high at the Cox Plate (2040m), which is shaping to be a mouth-watering contest.
Although he is somewhat untested at the Cox Plate distance, winning jockey Mark Zahra suggested that they mas as well try while he is in serious form.
“Today I was push, push to be closer, over a staying trip, I know he’s had one trip on a very heavy track at Randwick, I think if you kind ride him so kind he can be so strong late,” he said.
“In form, why not.”
I’m Thunderstruck is now a $7 chance with online bookmakers for the Cox Plate, while Alligator Blood is a $21 hope.
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