Standing up the game Alligator Blood three lengths at the 200m, I’m Thunderstruck added a second Group 1 with a last stride triumph in a thrilling PFD Food Services Makybe Diva (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Ridden by Mark Zahra for Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, I’m Thunderstruck was firmly in a pocket as Tim Clark kicked for home on Alligator Blood. It allowed I’m Thunderstruck to follow him through, and the son of Shocking edged Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) by a nose with a further three lengths back to Mo'unga (Savabeel) in third.
In adding the Memsie Stakes to his first Group 1 triumph in the Caulfield Toorak Hcp (1600m) at Caulfield, I’m Thunderstruck advances his record to seven three two from 16 starts with earnings of $714,7650.
He was pretty brave wasn’t he? He was in an awkward spot again, behind heels, and Alligator Blood was off and gone,” Price 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.
“I thought he was very brave because he really had to run down the right horse in the race and I thought Timmy Clark produced a beautiful front running ride.
“I’ve seen Alligator Blood win some huge races, so I’ve got total respect for him and for us to be able to run that horse down, I just thought it’s a good indicator of things to come.
“He’ll go Into the Underwood, into the Might And Power, into the Cox Plate.”
I’m Thunderstruck was bred by Tony Forlong and Jennifer Jones, who purchased his dam Primadonna Girl (NZ) (Edenwold) for just $2,400.
Initially trained in New Zealand by Daniel Miller, I’m Thunderstruck was purchased by bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo on behalf of OTI Racing after winning a 1000m trial win at Te Aroha.
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 $12,500.
