With two of the top chances in Saturday’s $1million Group 1 Hyland Race Colours Toorak Hcp (1600m) at Caulfield, Rich Hill Stud’s Melbourne Cup hero Shocking looked to have a stranglehold on the race.
While last start Group III Sandown Stakes winner Elephant will live to fight another day, the heavily backed I’m Thunderstruck will head to Sydney for the Golden Eagle at Rosehill Gardens on October 30 following his dramatic victory.
Jye McNeil had a torrid ride on the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained favourite.
Forcing through a needle eye opening in the straight, I’m Thunderstruck defeated Tofane (Ocean Park) by three-quarter of a length with the same distance back to Superstorm (Sebring) in third.
“He really had to earn it today. A couple of different riders were out there to target him, which I suppose they’re entitled to at some stage,” McNeil said.
“I thought it was a really brave effort the way he handled himself, even at the top of the straight we had to get a little bit physical to find clear space and then Tofane challenged late.
“He was super tough.”
Mick Price said the 4yo son of Shocking had plenty to overcome.
“It was a tough race to watch. He didn’t get a moment’s rest.
“He didn’t get a chance to relax and travel. They were playing jockeys,” Price said.
“They were trying to keep the favourite in, and for him to keep fighting, for a young inexperienced horse, it was a massive effort.”
“He is a big flashy kind of horse and I never thought it would come this soon with him. It’s very exciting. Hopefully he pulls up well.
“We blended prep two and prep three together. Now we’ve got three weeks until the Golden Eagle.
“Terry, Shane and Gus and all the team at OTI go back a long way as do Terry and I.
“I looked after one of William Haggas’ at Werribee and it won on Stakes Day (Fastnet Tempest). A thrill for everyone involved.”
I’m Thunderstruck made his maiden stakes win count with his top level success advancing his record to five wins and two thirds from eight starts with earnings of $902,400.
A half-brother to stakes-placed Cantstopthefeeling (Swiss Ace), I’m Thunderstruck is out of the lightly raced Primadonna Girl (Edenwold) who hails from the family of Group II winner Reno Belle and Listed winner Disco Bob.
I’m Thunderstruck becomes the 15th stakes-winner for Shocking and his second Group 1 winner after NZ Oaks heroine Fanatic.
Shocking stands at Rich Hill Stud for a fee of $8,500.
