Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr’s gelding I’m Thunderstruck added another accolade to his resume on Saturday by taking out the $7.5 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill.
Punters that backed the short-priced favourite were left with hearts in mouths as the son of Shocking arrived on the scene with less than 100m to spare, only to finish over the top of Count de Rupee, who was a good thing beaten right on the line.
After winning the Group 1 Toorak Handicap over the mile at Caulfield three weeks ago, the Price and Kent stable were left with a decision: race in the equally winnable Kennedy Cantala at Flemington, or step back to 1500m and have a crack at the prize money in Sydney.
The four-year-old was deep into his prep ahead of Saturday’s start but was no question the one to beat with four wins to his name since resuming in June.
Count de Rupee was unlucky not to score after getting clear down the straight.
The son of Real Impact found the money for a fourth consecutive time after running half-a-length third in the Silver Eagle, and will no doubt take plenty of improvement away as he targets bigger races in the autumn.
Vangelic filled the minors, paying nearly $7.00 the place after stalking the speed along the rails throughout.
More to come.