breednet.com.au

I'm Thunderstruck Claims Makybe Diva in a Thriller

Mark Smith - Saturday September 10

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.

Last stride victory for I'm Thunderstruck (images Grant Courtney)

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.

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisment

Race Result - Pfd Food Services Makybe Diva Gr1 1600m

Flemington Track: Soft(7) Time: 1:37.82
1
I'm Thunderstruck
- 5g Shocking (AUS) x Primadonna Girl (NZ) (Edenwold (CAN))
Tnr: M Price & M Kent Jnr Rdr: M Zahra 59
Inglis January (Late) Online Sale $6,500
Seller: M.G. Price Racing and Breeding
Buyer: Wehlow Racing
2
0.1
Alligator Blood
- 6g All Too Hard (AUS) x Lake Superior (AUS) (Encosta De Lago (AUS))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Tim Clark 59
All Too Hard
3
3.1
Mo'unga
- 5h Savabeel (AUS) x Chandelier (NZ) (O'Reilly (NZ))
Tnr: Annabel Neasham Rdr: Jamie Kah 59
4
4.8
Cascadian
- 8g New Approach (IRE) x Falls Of Lora (IRE) (Street Cry (IRE))
Tnr: James Cummings Rdr: B Shinn 59
5
6.3
Western Empire
- 5g Iffraaj (GB) x Western Jewel (AUS) (Jeune (GB))
Tnr: D T O'Brien Rdr: Damian Lane 59
6
7.8
Regal Power
- 7g Pierro (AUS) x Broadway Belle (AUS) (Redoute's Choice (AUS))
Tnr: D T O'Brien Rdr: D Oliver 59
7
8.2
Nonconformist
- 6g Rebel Raider (AUS) x Good Thinking (AUS) (Hold That Tiger (USA))
Tnr: G M Begg Rdr: Jordan Childs 59
8
10.5
She's Ideel
- 7m Dundeel (NZ) x Ana's Mail (AUS) (Anabaa (USA))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: B Melham 57
More Reading...
Juvenile Trial Watch – Canterbury
There were a whopping 10 heats won by juveniles at the Canterbury trials on Monday morning that included some interesting unraced youngsters by Zoustar, Zousain and Trapeze Artist, plus a good looking youngster that may see the benefit of gelding.
One to Watch – Wyong
The juvenile maiden at Wyong on Tuesday had some interesting runners including the highest price yearling by Maurice (Jpn) sold in 2024 and he did take the win, but it was not without drama.
Victorian Raider Plunders the $7.5million Golden Eagle
Following his win in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap, I’m Thunderstruck plundered the first prize of $4,100,000 in Saturday’s XXXX Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill.
Irish Oaks Possible for Royal Ascot Fairytale Filly
The biggest story in terms of our audience reads from Royal Ascot last week was by far and away the one on the Aussie owned underdog three year-old filly Cercene, who captured the Group I Coronation Stakes.
One to Watch – Scone
Kris Lees often sends a talented horse to the country to cast off maiden status and a two year-old Exceedance gelding did just that on debut at Scone on Monday.
Ardrossan Supporters Rewarded with Taken
The emergence of the Victorian-based Taken is another winning story for a New Zealand breeding and ownership group established to support the three-year-old’s young sire.
G1 Tatts Tiara – Where Are They Now?
The last Group I race of the Australian racing season, the $700,000 Tatts Tiara (1400m) will be run this Saturday and as a fillies and mares feature the winner is often headed straight to stud, so we’re taking a look at where these girls are at.
Storm Boy Retired to Coolmore Australia
An utterly dominant winner of the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic, the hugely exciting son of the international sire sensation Justify is set to join the Coolmore Australia roster in 2025.
Shock Passing of I’m Thunderstruck
Tragic news yesterday from the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr stable with the loss of stable star I’m Thunderstruck due to a post-surgical complication resulting in him being euthanised.
Golden Eagle Winner Ready for Spring Flight
I’m Thunderstruck is gearing up for a busy spring, with trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr setting their sights on plenty of feature spoils with the Group One winner.