Thunder Oh So Game
Sean’s classy charge Thunderstruck has had a fine season in the Cape this year, and the colt ended his Cape campaign on a high note when he won the G2 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes (1200m) at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
Runner up in the G1 Cape Flying Championship last time out, Thunderstruck was all the rage for Saturday’s R600 000 sprint and, after a few heart-stopping moments, duly lived up to expectations.
Under a great ride from Richard Fourie, Thunderstruck was always up with the pace in Saturday’s sprint but appeared to come under pressure halfway through the race.
However, the colt fought back gamely and held on courageously to beat classy three-year-old Future Variety by a long head, while confirming his status as one of the top sprinters currently in training.
Bred by Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm (also breeders of the Tarry trained recent G3 Betway London News Stakes winner Litigation), four-year-old Thunderstruck (winner of the G1 Gold Medallion at two) races for Wilgerbosdrift (Pty) Ltd, and he has now won six of 16 starts.
Well done to the team who have been looking after him, with Zed unfortunately having been kicked by Thunderstruck in the week leading up to Saturday’s race.
As a son of Rafeef and G2 Post Merchants winner Varikate, Thunderstruck has also confirmed himself as an attractive stud prospect with his campaign this season.