Promising three-year-old Thunder In Motion put himself in contention for a tilt at next month's Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) with an impressive maiden victory at Trentham on Sunday.
The $700,000 NZB Ready to Run Sale graduate produced an explosive turn of foot to win the THEFRACCLUB.COM Three Year Old (1400m) by three lengths for trainer Mark Forbes and jockey Joe Doyle.
Thunder In Motion jumped well before settling at the rear of the three-horse field behind Singletary and High Rock. Angled widest turning for home, he quickly put the result beyond doubt.
The performance came at just his second raceday appearance, having finished runner-up over 1100m at Taupo on debut, and the spacious Trentham circuit appeared to suit the promising youngster.
The race was robbed of some interest when last-start Gr.2 Hawke's Bay Guineas (1400m) winner Old Fashioned, who had been installed favourite, was scratched on Sunday morning after suffering a minor setback.
Forbes was delighted with the performance and said the gelding had made significant progress since his early education.
“Obviously they paid $700,000 for him out of the Ready to Run Sale last year,” Forbes said.
“We gelded him after his first trial, which was a little bit disappointing, but his whole preparation this time in has been very impressive.
“We didn't really want to lead. Even though he jumped well, I'm glad Joe took a sit on him and he's got an explosive turn of foot.”
Connections will now consider whether to pay a late entry fee for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 14.
“We will get him home and there is a race in three weeks,” Forbes said. “Whether we do consider paying the late nomination, we will just have a think about it when we get him home.”
Doyle was equally enthusiastic about the performance, although he admitted the small field had made it difficult to fully assess the gelding's ability.
“He's a horse we think a lot of. I was a bit gutted this morning when the favourite came out because I thought we'd get a better line on him,” Doyle said.
“You can only beat what's around you and he has been very impressive. All he will do is improve.
“He's a lovely horse. They paid a lot of money for him and I think they'll be getting it back.
“He's still a touch green but all he wants to do is please you. Well done to the connections and to Mark as well. His team is absolutely flying at the minute, so fair play to him.”
Bred by Trelawney Stud, Thunder In Motion was purchased by Mainland Chinese owners Shijiazhuang Hongtao Horse Breeding for $700,000 at the 2025 NZB Ready to Run Sale.
He is by Little Avondale Stud's outstanding stallion Per Incanto out of the Rock 'n' Pop mare Joan's A Jett, a half-sister to Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) winner Allez Wonder. - NZ Racing Desk
