Talented Kiwi import I’m Thunderstruck (NZ) (Shocking) will start a warm favourite in Saturday’s Gr. 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield.
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained son of Rich Hill Stud stallion Shocking finalised his preparations with a pleasing gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday under Jye McNeil.
The winner of four of his seven starts to date, I’m Thunderstruck was a luckless third in the Gr.1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 18, after drawing the outside barrier.
Should a rain-affected surface present on Saturday, connections are not concerned.
“It probably enhances his chances, I think he grows a leg in the wet,” Kent Jnr told RSN.
“He worked nicely this morning and we are hoping for even luck this weekend. We didn’t get luck in the Rupert Clarke and if he can draw a decent barrier he won’t have to get so far back. The horse has trained on beautifully.
“He is settling so much better now in his work and in his races so I think the mile is ideal now. He is really blooming.
“I think Elephant is the hardest to beat, he is just a winner and he is also, interestingly, a son of Shocking.”
Bred by Tony Forlong and Jennifer Jones, I’m Thunderstruck was initially prepared in New Zealand by Matamata trainer Daniel Miller for whom he won his 1000m trial at Te Aroha in June last year before being sold privately to OTI through bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo.
Safely through Saturday’s assignment, the A$7.5 million Golden Eagle (1500m) remains a target for I’m Thunderstruck.
