Price runner Thunders into Eagle favouritism
VICTORIAN raider I’m Thunderstruck has firmed to $4.50 favouritism after drawing well for the $7.5m Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
Co-trainer Mick Price had hoped his galloper would draw between six and 12 and got his wish with the last-start Toorak Handicap winner to come out of gate 10.
I’m Thunderstruck’s tightened his grip on Golden Eagle favouritism as he looks to continue his stunning rise through the ranks this spring.
Price started I’m Thunderstruck’s campaign in a Sale class 1 back in June, which the gelding won easily. Five starts later the horse won the Group 1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.
“When he won the Sale race we had other plans for him,” Price said. “Those horses with low ratings like he was at the time, there is not much point putting a circle around Group 1 handicaps as you won’t get a run.
“But he trialled here early in the spring and I saw a horse that had improved so we got a bit ambitious and ran him in the (Group 1) Rupert Clarke Stakes.’’
I’m Thunderstruck drew a wide barrier but made a lot of people take notice when he finished strongly late for third to Sierra Sue.
“He got ‘pin-balled’ during the race and was unlucky but that Group 1 placing got us an increase in ratings,’’ Price said.
“This got the horse into the Toorak and got us a Group 1 win. I thought he was very good in the Toorak and had to bullock his way out of a tough spot. He has shown us he’s a pretty good horse and we have Hugh Bowman so we will see what happens.’’
The Price and Michael Kent Jr stable also has Our Playboy in the Golden Eagle but the gelding, who has drawn gate two, is second emergency.
Private Eye trainer Joe Pride said he was “not too bothered” by drawing gate 17, suggesting it was race tempo rather than the barrier draw that would be the biggest influence on his horse’s chances.
“If the emergencies come out then Private Eye jumps from 14 but he’s a backmarker anyway,’’ Pride said. “Maybe if he had drawn between five and 10 he could have been a pair or two closer and that might be the difference between winning and losing but I’m not too bothered by his barrier. The horse is in great order and is ready to do his best.”