More mature King chasing Derby glory
Five months after being sent around as one the fancied runners in a spring classic, a more mature King Of Thunder (NZ) (Tivaci) is being given a second bite at the Derby cherry.
The promising stayer will line up in the Gr.1 ATC Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday, four days after finishing a close third to Pocketing (NZ) (Grunt) in the rescheduled Gr.2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m).
While the wash-out of last weekend's Rosehill card has forced the tight turnaround, co-trainer John O'Shea is taking it in his stride and expects King Of Thunder will too.
"It is what it is," O'Shea said.
"I don't think there is any issue for him at the trip. He is executing his race plan so much better now as an older three-year-old.
"We can go into Saturday's race knowing we've got a fit horse that will be better suited on top of the ground that is going to run a strong mile-and-a-half.
"We're looking forward to the day."
King Of Thunder was in his first racing preparation when he placed in the Gr.2 Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley last spring before starting a $6 chance when midfield in the Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m).
Experience and maturity have helped him to refine his craft and while wary of the Chris Waller-trained favourite Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio) on Saturday, O'Shea is confident King Of Thunder won't be a pushover.
"The filly is good and she was very good the other day," O'Shea said, referring to Aeliana's barnstorming second to Broadsiding (Too Darn Hot) in the Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
"But he started favourite in the Victoria Derby. He didn't execute well there, he will execute well on Saturday."
