Image: Bruno Canatelli
I’m Thunderstruck and Jacquinot complete CF Orr Stakes preparations with morning gallop at Sandown
I Am Thunderstruck and Jacquinot travel to Sandown for the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr pairing to complete their preparations for the CF Orr Stakes.
The Group 1 race over 1400m on Saturday begins at Melbourne’s Festival of Racing and Price and Kent Jr’s runners go to market ahead of final approval on Wednesday.
While the two horses took to the track together on Tuesday, they worked separately with the jockeys of their races – Damien Lane atop Jacquinot and Jamie Kah aboard I Am Thunderstruck.
“I’m thunderstruck, I had a small target to look at, which was fine,” Price said.
Jacquinot is fit and it was an opportunity to be here on this beautiful surface. He had a good gallop, a good day.
“It was the same for I Am Thunderstruck. He went straight like the barrel of a gun. It’s a gallop, not the pressure of race day, but both horses were very good.
Price said that not every horse handles Sandown, although both of his charges have performed well over the course before.
However, he added that sometimes it’s a good idea to get away from Cranbourne and get the adrenaline flowing with float trips and a change of scenery.
Jacquinot entered the Orr Stakes with a fitness advantage over his stable companion, having won the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1300 metres) at Sandown on 26 January.
But Price was impressed by I Am Thunderstruck’s 1000m trial victory in Geelong on 31 January.
“Jacquinot is fit hard. I am thunderstruck, if he gets to the end of the race late and does a bit of injury, I will sweeten it,” said Price.
Starting here on Saturday, he scored in his four starts. He trialed really well in Geelong and he’s going well, had a lovely preparation but tough, race fitness, I lean towards Jacquinot.
I head the Orr market at Thunderstruck $3.50, ahead of Jacquinot at $4, with Tuvalu, the likely leader in price terms, next in line at $6.
The final field along with the barrier draw will be announced on Wednesday.
*Existing customers only. Second racing bet. Except SA and WA. T’s and C’s apply. Gambling responsibly.
