Kiwi Bred I’m Thunderstruck thriving ahead of G1 Makybe Diva

Media Release - Wednesday September 7

Trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr believe they have I’m Thunderstruck humming ahead of the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.

The son of Shocking ran home well in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) first-up behind Snapdancer, pleasing his conditioners.

I'm Thunderstruck - image Steve Hart

“He is going super,” Price told Racing.com.

“I thought his run was really good. (Mark) Zahra (jockey) said he probably got too far out of his ground trying to chase Snapdancer.

“I thought it was the run of the race to nearly mow down Snapdancer, who was always going to be hard to beat under those conditions.”

Advertisement

Price is looking forward to the weekend where he thinks a mile will be ideal for his five-year-old.

“He is in beautiful condition,” Price said.

“A mile is good for him, he is a good miler. I have got no negatives to put forward, he’s going great.”

I’m Thunderstruck was bred by Cambridge couple Tony Forlong and Jennifer Jones.

Previously based in Kumeu, chartered accountant Forlong and accomplished rider Jones purchased I’m Thunderstruck’s dam Primadonna Girl for just $2400 through good friend Danny Rolston, former Bloodstock Sales Manager for New Zealand Bloodstock.

Initially trained in New Zealand by Daniel Miller, I’m Thunderstruck was purchased by bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo for clients OTI Racing after his 1000m trial win at Te Aroha two years ago.

Price will also line-up fellow New Zealand-bred Cadazio in the Listed Exford Plate (1400m).

The Tarzino gelding will be fresh-up this weekend after winning on debut at Geelong in July and Price is expecting the trip to be a bit short for his charge given he is on a Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) path.

“Cadazio first-up, he is on a Derby prep,” Price said. “I would guess that he will get back and work home.

“He is going super.”

Cadazio, who carries the silks of OTI Racing, was purchased out of Westbury Stud’s 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale draft for $120,000 by Cataldo and his trainers. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Wednesday November 20
Here is the full list of 39 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Ka Ying Rising connection draws Hayes team to Shamexpress at Karaka
With one of the world’s most exciting sprinters flying the flag for David Hayes in Hong Kong, it has been no surprise to see the trainer’s sons zeroing in on progeny of Windsor Park Stud stallion Shamexpress during the Ready to Run Sale at Karaka this week.
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 21
Here is the full list of 32 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.
Vale, Danny Champion
The thoroughbred racing industry is in mourning following the passing of respected horseman Danny Champion.