It’s not too often that we see a trio of competitors ranked 105 and above, including group 1 and group 3 winners, fight in a qualifying competition at Dundalk Racecourse on the Friday night of January. but that’s exactly what we have here for January. 21.
During his two-year campaign, it seemed as if the whole world was Thunder Moon of oysters, progressing from a hedge challenge victory at Dundalk to an impressive maiden victory of Curragh and group 1 success in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (G1).
The champion of the world St Mark’s Basilica finished third on the last occasion before reversing course with Joseph O’Brien’s pony at Darley Dewhurst Stakes (G1), while the top scorers Lucky Vega , Law of Index , and Mac Swiney prominent among Thunder Moon’s Curragh victims.
Except for an excellent second place against Laws of Indices in the Haras d’Etreham Prix Jean Prat (G1) in July, it’s been a disappointing 3-year-old season for Zoffany colt, which started with a defeat to an opponent at the Qipco Two Thousand Guineas (G1) field when sent off 11-2.
The assignment represents a significant drop in class for the 113-rated player, who has been absent since a midfield finish at the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes (G1) in October.
Thunder Moon, who will start first on the all-weather surface, is 5 pounds ahead of the nearest rated opponent Pretreville , trained by Ado McGuinness. The group 3 winner for Pascal Bary in 2020 is currently ranked 108th, the 7-year-old boy who failed in his first two starts for these connections last term was awarded 95,000 guineas ($137,226) on August.
O’Brien also calls for race fit San Andreas , who finished a good third after missing the holiday on his comeback five weeks ago.
“They are two beautiful horses. San Andreas is very good at this distance and distance and I think he will run a big race. Thunder Moon is back soon with the possibility of going to Saudi Arabia. We are looking for O. ‘ said Brian.
He hasn’t been treated well in the weight class, giving up 3 pounds to Thunder Moon and Pretreville despite being ranked 105, but his running score and recent form of 73211123 in this track make him a good candidate. France.
James McAuley enjoyed a great winter at Ireland’s only all-weather venue and identified the tie-up with the runner-up as a good opportunity to claim €1,160 in prize money with two representatives of the club. he. Meishar and Sister Lola.
Both have advantages in terms of physique but cannot be inferior in form.
Despite the proven class of Thunder Moon and Pretreville, both appear to be aiming for international goals and San Andreas could be the one to take the edge at his favorite track.
