Thunder Snow In Classic Preparations
The son of Helmet is a serious contender in the prestigious US$6 million Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Classic, a race never previously won by a DWC winner in the same year.
Thunder Snow has shown downright dominance and perplexing volatility in a career that has garnered him seven victories and 15 top-three finishes from 20 efforts. He now lines up as a
“The horse can take position and the jockey knows him really well,” bin Suroor said. “I’m not worried about the draw, really. The Breeders’ Cup Classic is very hard, with horses coming from all across the country and from England, but our horse is good enough. He won the Dubai World Cup and won it easily. He looks to be in good form and hopefully we will see a good run from him Saturday.”
“He improved a lot and he’s trained now for more than a month on the U.S. soil, so it’s probably a big change for him and the best way to bring him to 100% like in Dubai for the World Cup,” Soumillon continued. “I’m sure he will improve five or six lengths from his running in New York for the Breeders’ Cup.”
While Thunder Snow is not known as the most enthusiastic workout horse in the mornings, one cannot doubt that the earner of US$8,531,476 is a brutal competitor in the afternoon. He will need that fighting spirit when he takes on a stellar line-up in Kentucky, including his conqueror from York, England’s Roaring Lion, American divisional leaders Accelerate and Catholic Boy, as well as a trio left in his wake in the Dubai World Cup: West Coast, Pavel and Gunnevera.
“He’s a very tough horse and that’s what I like about him,” bin Suroor concluded. “He’s sound and always happy and healthy. He’s good in the morning when he works and always gives everything in the race. He has a big heart. I hope to keep him sound and healthy heading to Saturday and I think we have a big chance.”
Thunder Snow is likely to head back to Dubai the week following the Breeders’ Cup. He is currently tentatively aiming toward a defense of the Dubai World Cup, but such plans will not be solidified until after he competes on Saturday in the iconic 2000m affair.
Press Release and News Credited To Emirates Racing Authority (ERA)