Mick Price was left slightly disappointed after stable star I’m Thunderstruck (NZ) (Shocking) finished fourth in the Gr.1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Sandown on Sunday.
The son of Shocking settled second last in the run and gave the leaders a five-length start but he still loomed ominously as a winning chance halfway up the straight before just failing to finish third behind winner Alligator Blood (All Too Hard), Mo’unga (NZ) (Savabeel) and Zaaki (Leroidesanimaux).
Price said I’m Thunderstruck’s next start in the Gr.1 Might And Power Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on October 8 will decide whether he runs in the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m).
“The fork in the road for that horse has got to be the Might And Power to find out whether he’s a 2000-metre horse or he’s a miler,” said Price, who trains in partnership with Michael Kent Jnr.
Price said he was nervous watching the race as Alligator Blood controlled the race at a slow tempo.
“It’s very difficult to pick up a leader when they run four sectionals that are 12.5 seconds,” he said.
“I was a little bit disappointed he didn’t finish closer regardless, although I need to have a good look at the sectionals.”
Bred by Tony Forlong and Jennifer Jones, I’m Thunderstruck was initially prepared in New Zealand by Matamata trainer Daniel Miller for whom he won his 1000m trial at Te Aroha before being sold privately to OTI through bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo.
