There is plenty of hype surrounding promising gelding Thunder In Motion ahead of Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton, and trainer Mark Forbes is hoping he can deliver in the southern Classic.
Bred by Trelawney Stud, the son of Per Incanto was a high-priced purchase at last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, with Shijiazhuang Hongtao Horse Breeding going to $700,000 to secure him.
Entrusted to the care of Forbes, Thunder In Motion has shown plenty of promise, finishing runner-up on debut at Taupo last month before beating a small but select field over 1400m at Trentham a week later, which included stakes performer Singletary and Saturday race rival High Rock.
While Forbes has been impressed by Thunder In Motion and the progress he has shown, he has his feet firmly on the ground knowing the task ahead of him this weekend.
“His last start was only a three-horse field, so pretty much a glorified jumpout,” Forbes said. “It is a big ask going into a 2000 Guineas in his third start, but the horse has got a lot of ability and he is only going to improve on what he has done.
“I couldn’t be any happier with the way he has travelled. Bring on Saturday.”
With regular jockey Joe Doyle electing to ride equal favourite Coniston, Thunder In Motion will have the services of champion jockey Opie Bosson and will jump from barrier six.
“I couldn’t be happier with the draw,” Forbes said. “He is a big horse, so I wouldn’t want him to be boxed in on the fence.
“Joe knows the horse, but he had commitments to Wexford, and I am very happy with Opie as a replacement.”
Forbes is also looking forward to meeting Thunder In Motion’s owner on Saturday, who is flying down from China ahead of next week’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale.
“Alex Teng purchased him for a client of his, Mr Ma, who is from mainland China,” Forbes said. “He is flying down for the race before he goes to the Ready To Run Sale.
“He (Thunder In Motion) is not going to Hong Kong or anything, he is going to stay in the country. It is nice to have these high-profile horses staying in the country.”
Forbes said he has Teng to thank for several of his clients, and he is grateful for his support, and is hopeful of adding a few more of his purchases to his barn following next week’s sale.
“We have always had a massive association with Alex Teng, he has supported us from day dot with all of his Chinese clients,” Forbes said. “He has been a massive supporter of the stable.”
TAB bookmakers are currently offering punters $5.50 for Thunder In Motion to win the 2000 Guineas, in a market headed by Excite and Coniston at $4.60. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
