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Price Thunderstruck by depth of QEII field

3 minute read

Doncaster Mile runner-up I’m Thunderstruck will face the toughest test of his career.

I'M THUNDERSTRUCK.
I'M THUNDERSTRUCK. Picture: Martin King / Sportpix

Mick Price remains committed to running I'm Thunderstruck in the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes but if he had his time over, he might have made a different call. 

Price admits the decision to back-up the gelding was a belated one, made last Sunday morning after he cast his eye over the Group 1 winner following his Doncaster Mile placing. 

At that stage, a couple of high-profile horses were in doubt for the Queen Elizabeth, I'm Thunderstruck was in superb order and the opportunity to run seemed too good to pass up. 

"There is no problem with backing him up physically, the problem is it's a late idea by the trainer," Price said. 

"I looked at him Sunday morning and he was very well. 

"I also thought, there was a query during the week on Anamoe's blood picture, right or wrong, there was Duais going to the Sydney Cup, Verry Elleegant had been beaten (in the Ranvet Stakes). 

"But all of a sudden, it has turned around into being the race of the autumn carnival.  

"Anyway, I'm committed, and he will run well regardless." 

Anamoe returned a normal blood profile earlier this week and has been given the green light to take his place as he bids to become the first three-year-old giantkiller since Intergaze in 1997 to topple the older horses. 

His normally reserved trainer James Cummings has been bullish about the colt's chances, declaring the Cox Plate runner-up to be in the shape of his life. 

"I don't want to put pressure on the horse, but I have to say that I was even more pleased (with his work) than leading into the Cox Plate," Cummings said. 

"That's why we chose the Queen Elizabeth. We want to challenge the horse and prove, not only is the best of his age, but the best in the country." 

Verry Elleegant remains favourite at $3.10 to make it a case of third time lucky in the Queen Elizabeth after finishing second to Addeybb for the past two years. 

Anamoe is prominent at $5 while I'm Thunderstruck is a $13 chance. 

Randwick was rated a heavy 10 on Friday but the rain in Sydney was expected to ease. 


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