A trip to Sandown has given I’m Thunderstruck a stressless day at the races as he prepares for the All-Star Mile at Flemington.
I’m Thunderstruck, with Jamie Kah aboard, galloped with stablemate Our Playboy (Damian Lane) between races on Wednesday which had a dual purpose for trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr .
Successful in the Toorak Handicap and The Golden Eagle last spring, I’m Thunderstruck has been luckless in two runs this campaign, finishing fifth in both the Group 1 C F Stakes and Group 1 Futurity Stakes, both over 1400m at Caulfield last month.
I’m Thunderstruck has been set for the All-Star Mile (1600m) on March 19 before he heads to Sydney for the Group 1 Doncaster (1600m) at Randwick.
“The last two races for him, he’s been quite stressy and letting off too much nervous energy watching him at the races,” Price said.
“So, we wanted a day at the races where he was calm, give him a gallop and not get stressed by racing as such, so physically and mentally it was a good idea to bring him out here.”
While I’m Thunderstruck just shaded Our Playboy, Price said Kah reported post gallop there was plenty left if she had asked him to extend.
Price said I’m Thunderstruck was where he wanted him condition wise in the lead up to the All-Star Mile but noted how tough the race was becoming.
“I think if we had of had an outside run the other day he would have worked home and run a nice third and you would say he was spot on,” Price said.
“The All-Star Mile is looking better and better and for $5 million they’re not going to give it away.
“They want the best horses, and they’re getting the best horses and he’s one of them and he’ll be cherry ripe on the day.”
Our Playboy is set for his return run in the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m) on Saturday.
Price said Our Playboy changed stride on a couple of occasions during the gallop, typical of a horse that appreciates give in the ground.
“I wouldn’t think he’ll be sharp enough on Saturday, but he’s very fit at the moment but barrier one is not ideal,” Price said.