The dual Dubai World Cup winning Thunder Snow will set foot back on a race track at Belmont Park for the first time since his record breaking win in Meydan as he looks to looks to land back to back wins for only the second time in his career in the Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park on Saturday.
America has had mixed memories for the Godolphin owned five year old as back in 2017 he gave a really disappointing performance in the Kentucky Derby but a year later when coming back to the US he was much better finishing a smart third in the Breeders Cup Classic.
The Saeed bin Suroor trained horse is one of Godolphin's greatest ever horses to come through the ranks under the successful horse racing group earning over £12 million in prize money during his career, most of that being down to the Dubai World Cup.
(Credit At The Races) The trainer said: “He travelled well to New York so all is good so far.
“He did his last piece of work on Friday on the Limekilns (in Newmarket) under Kieren Fallon and he was very happy with him – he looks good and is ready to go.
“The trip is a little short for him, it’s only a mile and he’s better over 10 furlongs, but it is hard to find races for him and he has to run.
“After this we’ll keep his options open, but there is a race at Saratoga for him then maybe the Jockey Club in New York before ending the season in the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.”
He added: “He has a chance, I’m happy with him, he’s in good form. He always handles the travelling really good and Christophe Soumillon is going over to ride him again.
“American racing suits him, but the trip is a little short this week. The jockey knows him well, though, and will jump and kick so he can hopefully get a nice position early.”
Thunder Snow has been off the track for the best part of two months and a big question mark over his head is if he is going to be sharp enough to compete with some mart horses in the field.
Bob Baffert as ever has a star on show with the favourite for last seasons Breeders Cup Classic McKinzie who was disappointing that day but will be looking to put that right on Saturday.