Smart middle-distance three-year-old King Of Thunder will get another chance at Classic success following a strong second-up victory in the Bisley Workwear Handicap (1900) at Rosehill on Saturday for trainer John O’Shea and Tom Charlton.
The son of Tivaci was beaten just over four lengths when seventh in the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) in the spring having placed in the Gr.2 Vase (2040m) at The Valley and will target next month’s Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m).
Ridden by Zac Lloyd, King Of Thunder came from midfield on the fence and presented centre track shortly after rounding the bend, comfortably staving off older rivals All In The Mind and Lincoln Rocks to record his second career victory.
The Benchmark 78 has been used to good effect by Derby prospects in recent years, with Major Beel finishing fourth in it before winning the blue-ribbon event two years ago, while the O’Shea-trained Benaud did something similar (fifth) and ran second in the Derby.
“It is a race we have traditionally used over the years in the lead-up to the Derby and it has provided a good guide,” O’Shea said.
“The fact that this bloke has been able to win with a decent weight for a three-year-old is very, very encouraging second -up.
“He is a genuine stayer.
“He will head to the Tulloch (Gr.2, 2000m) next and all going well into the Derby. It is extremely pleasing for our team and the ownership group.”
King Of Thunder is a graduate of the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, purchased by John O’Shea Racing for $50,000 from the draft of Ohukia Lodge.
Bred by Pippa Chittick and Waikato Stud, King Of Thunder is out of the stakes-placed Zabeel mare Sheezababe, runner-up in the Listed New Zealand St Leger (2500m), who in turn is out of Gr.1 Syndey Cup (3200m) winner Honor Babe.
King Of Thunder is a half-brother to the highly talented Impecunious, who placed in the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).
Saturday’s triumph was the gelding’s second victory from eight starts as he advanced his career earnings to A$205,425. – NZ Racing Desk
