King Of Thunder Can Rule In Derby

Co-trainer Charlton hoping favourite can snare first G1 at Brisbane Winter Carnival

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BRISBANE — A wet track may have thwarted the finishing power of King Of Thunder in his last start, but his connections are hoping a drier surface will enable the horse to show his true colours in the A$1 million (S$834,000) Group 1 Queensland Derby (2,400m) at Eagle Farm on May 31.

Trained by John O'Shea and Tom Charlton, King Of Thunder — a Tivaci three-year-old gelding — finished third to the Chris Waller-trained Imperialist in heavy conditions at his final lead-up run in the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate (2,000m) at Doomben on May 17.

Ridden by Mark Zahra, the two-time winner came off his midfield position and began to knuckle down to the task at the 250m.

He chased Imperialist, who had shot to the lead under Tommy Berry, but could manage to finish only within less than two lengths off the winner.