Global Weekly Preview: ‘Thunder’ gets another Classic chance back on turf

Godolphin's Thunder Snow is out to restore his reputation as a talented UAE Derby winner by giving a good account of himself in Saturday's G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh, in which he clashes again with top-rated Churchill.

The colt must put behind him the inexplicable rodeo performance in which he started kicking and bucking soon after the start of the G1 Kentucky Derby on May 6. He was pulled up after running less than 50 yards

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor has advised Godolphin followers to forget Thunder Snow even boarded the plane to America.

"That's history," Saeed declared. "Nobody can understand why it happened. He was examined immediately after (by vets and stable staff) and there was nothing wrong with him.

"He was in full training again the next day," the trainer explained, adding further to a racing puzzle that has been the subject of widespread debate.

Saeed said Thunder Snow had since undergone starting stalls practice on his return to Newmarket. "He's been through the stalls, and everything was perfect.

"I think he will run well at the Curragh. Any rain will help as he likes easy ground," he added.

Thunder Snow, who will again be partnered by Christophe Soumillon, faces five rivals in the first Irish Classic of the season. Churchill heads a trio of Ballydoyle contenders, while the Michael Halford-trained Irishcorrespondent is also a valid threat.

Thunder Snow finished fourth to Churchill in the G1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket last October.

The Jim Bolger-trained Bean Feasa carries Godolphin hopes into Sunday's G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas, for eight runners are declared.

Bean Feasa, a Dubawi half-sister to Teofilo, looked very smart when winning Leopardstown's G3 1,000 Guineas Trial and this is a good opportunity to further enhance her reputation.

Winter, the 1,000 Guineas winner at Newmarket, and the very able Rehana are also among the major contenders.

In the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup on the same Sunday card, Bolger will saddle Godolphin's Moonlight Magic, who faces seven rivals in an interesting renewal.

Bolger said of Moonlight Magic: "He's very well. I couldn't be happier with him."

In France on Sunday, Andre Fabre sends Godolphin's Usherette for the G1 Prix d'Ispahan at Chantilly, in which she has five rivals, including the well-performed Zarak.