Jockey key to Thunderstruck success

[Wandering Eyes]

Mick Price has put the onus onto leading jockey Jamie Kah to have I’m Thunderstruck (NZ) (Shocking) closer to the speed as he chases four elite races this autumn.

I’m Thunderstruck returns to racing this Saturday in the Gr.1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) at Sandown, where Price said he wants the Cox Plate runner-up closer to the speed so as to maximise his chances of success.

“No doubt,” Price said when asked if I’m Thunderstruck needed to take a more forward role in his races.

“Maybe part of his racing pattern last prep was due to bad barriers but it’s up to jockeys.

“Jockeys have to negotiate around the barriers. I definitely need him handier in races, so he’s got two 1400 metres (races) then The All-Star Mile and Queen Elizabeth and that is four neat runs for him.”

I’m Thunderstruck and star three-year-old stablemate Jacquinot (Rubick) headline a group of class gallopers set to take to the Sandown course proper on Tuesday morning ahead of their first clash in the Orr.

Judging on how he has returned in 2023, I’m Thunderstruck’s pattern of drifting too far off the speed – he was last of 12 on the home turn in the Cox Plate but was beaten less than half a length by Anamoe – could be a thing of the past.

I’m Thunderstruck took up a much more prominent role in his sole 1000-metre trial leading into the Orr.

“I was very happy with I’m Thunderstruck’s trial at Geelong,” said Price, who trains in partnership with Michael Kent Jnr. “It was a very good trial. He doesn’t have to trial like that, but that is how he is going.”

Price said after a debrief with Kah following the trial, he has decided not to tinker with I’m Thunderstruck’s range of race-day gear.

“JK’s advice, which I am going to take, is to leave all the gear on because he’s a one-eyed blinkers, cross-over noseband, lugging bit and that’s fine that will all stay on.”

Possibly the biggest threat to I’m Thunderstruck making a winning return is Jacquinot, who is chasing a weight-for-age Group One win to go with his Golden Rose success last spring.

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