Queensland Thunder

Favourite Big Thunder left no doubt as to who was best on the day in this week’s Quest for Tricks Challenge in Queensland, storming home for an effortless four length victory. After jumping smoothly, top jockey C.Wyatt, was content to allow Big Thunder to slide across to the rail, as early speedsters Wild Trips and Duanewon cut away at each other out in front. Despite sitting about nine lengths off the pace as the leaders went helter skelter, Wyatt remained patient. Given his head about four from home Big Thunder lengthened stride impressively and had the win safely in his keeping as he strode to the lead down the running. He cruised to victory, increasing the margin all the way.

Wild Trips may have been asked to work too hard too early. After getting the best of the early lead, he was under constant pressure for three furlongs, before shaking off the persistent Duanewon. He showed plenty of heart, even when clearly beaten, battling on strongly and holding a comfortable 4 length margin ahead of the third finisher. No prizes for the ride.

Bergers ran a handy third. Given a box seat run throughout, he never looked any sort of threat, but sat in or about third for the entire journey, finishing eight or so lengths from the winner.

Seancha and I’veseenthelite picked up the minor prize money, both racing mid-field throughout and holding onto their places in the run home.

Mambo Rock’N Roll plodded at best, and his current form is worrying.

Duanewon wilted after pressuring the pacemaker for three furlongs.

Hot Teacher never got into the race.

Mamool was distanced.

Big Thunder is a five year old Thunder Gulch / Arazi horse, raced by fugazi since the beginning of last season. In just over a year his trainer has taken him from the claiming ranks to a Grade 2 placed victor of 3 stakes races, including these last 2 in succession. His record now stands at 8 wins from 31 starts and he’s earned a career total of over $350,000. Big Thunder ran the 9.5 furlongs in 1.55.6 and returned a speed rating of 99. The fugazi stable currently contains only 6 runners, and Big Thunder is the star attraction. The trainer boasts an impressive strike rate, having won 103 of 538 starts.