I’m Thunderstruck heads CF Orr Stakes nominations
A total of 21 horses have been nominated for this Saturday’s Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
Eight of those gallopers are already Group 1 winners, headlined by Golden Eagle champion I’m Thunderstruck and star mare Colette.
Promising three-year-olds Lightsaber, Coastwatch and Overpass – a last-start winner in the Expressway Stakes – will tackle the older horses under weight-for-age conditions.
As expected, James Cummings has a strong hand with both Colette and Doncaster Mile winner Cascadian nominated, although Godolphin said during the week that Colette will stay in Sydney for the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m).
WHAT A RESULT!
JAMIE KAH WINS THE DONCASTER ABOARD CASCADIAN 💙@BlueBetAu pic.twitter.com/hQpi3F6WGp
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) April 10, 2021
Danny O’Brien has two horses nominated as well, with both gallopers relatively new additions to his stable.
Inspirational Girl has had one start for O’Brien, running fifth in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at this track and distance in August in what was her first run since finishing second in the Kingston Town Classic (1800m) at Ascot.
Callsign Mav was last seen when seventh in the Cox Plate (2040m) in his first Australian start, so O’Brien will be hoping he can get him back to the form which saw him win back-to-back Group 1 races in New Zealand across September and October.
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I'M THUNDERSTRUCK AND HUGH BOWMAN WIN THE $7.5 MILLION GOLDEN EAGLE! @BLUEBETAU pic.twitter.com/hX9VfbG03d
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 30, 2021
Mick Price & Michael Kent Jr saddle up the race favourite, I’m Thunderstruck, who is first-up since his brilliant win in the $7.5 million Golden Eagle.
Currently sharing favouritism with Sinawann at $4, I’m Thunderstruck will look to extend his impressive Caulfield record and complete the Toorak Handicap-C.F. Orr Stakes double.
As for Sinawann, he is only a new addition to Australia, racing just three times here for a win and a third.
First Australian win, second Gr3 win for Kingman 4yo SINAWANN in the Kevin Heffernan Stakes.
1/2 bro to SW Silwana SP Summaya & Simsir.
Dam SP Simawa a 1/2 to Sinndar.@FreedmanRacing @CWilliamsJockey @GlentreeTbreds @BahenBstockHK @MHalfordRacing @JuddmonteFarms @AgaKhanStuds pic.twitter.com/gEb2EqVZLH— Pedigree Update (@pedigreeupdate) November 27, 2021
The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained five-year-old was first-up in the Group 1 Australia Stakes (1200m) on January 29 when finishing second, just 2.75 lengths behind unbeaten galloper Marabi.
Other notable horses in the race include South Australian visitors Behemoth and Secret Blaze, with the former looking to win his fourth Group 1 at this track and distance.
Tofane will look to add the Orr to her ever-growing broodmare resume, while Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winner Sierra Sue will be aiming for another 1400m Group 1 title.
The field will be finalised on Wednesday morning, with just 16 horses guaranteed a start, while four runners will fill the emergencies.