Thunder Snow Set for Juddmonte International Return

Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor plans to be double-handed in the Aug. 22 Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) with Thunder Snow and Benbatl lined up to appear at York.

Thunder Snow will make his first run in almost five months after a brilliant start to the year that included an emphatic victory in the March 31 Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1).

Benbatl was also successful at Meydan on World Cup night, taking the Dubai Turf Sponsored by DP World (G1). The 4-year-old Dubawi colt has since been campaigned in Europe and won the Grosser Dallmayr Preis—Bayerisches Zuchtrennen (G1) in Munich last month.

"They are ready but will have a last piece of work tomorrow (Aug. 18)—just to blow out before the race," bin Suroor said. "But so far, I am happy with them. I know the race is going to be very tough—the best quality horses are going to run. But both of them are doing well."

The race is part of the QIPCO-backed British Champions Series and will see jockey Christophe Soumillon renew acquaintance with Thunder Snow. But bin Suroor explained how the York showpiece will be the first of three intended races for the Helmet colt.

"His last race was the Dubai World Cup, and we made a decision with Sheikh Mohammed just to give him a break—because he'd had four races in Dubai," the trainer said. "Since the horse came to Newmarket, he's doing well and working nicely. Oisin Murphy rode him last week—on the Limekilns in Newmarket—and the horse is improving all the time and now he's fit. But he'll need the race and will improve for it.

"He needs the race before we take him to America. The target to start with is the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) over a mile and a quarter at Belmont Park on Sept. 29. After that, we'll take him to the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs."

Thunder Snow has an infamous history at Churchill, having been pulled up shortly after the start of the 2017 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) when he propped and bucked after the break. His temperamental ways have often been overcome by his class, however, with Thunder Snow earning group 1 wins at ages 2, 3, and 4.

"Whatever happens in the Juddmonte will make him fit and ready for the future," bin Suroor said. 

Thunder Snow's top-class displays in Dubai this year were on dirt, as will be his upcoming U.S. targets. According to bin Suroor, it is his preferred surface, even though he has group 1 victories in France on grass over both seven furlongs and a mile.

"I know he has won two group 1 (races) in France on turf, but on the dirt his action is much better," he added. 

Benbatl will be making his second visit to York, having been runner-up to Permian over course and distance in the 2017 Dante Stakes (G2). 

"The horse has really improved physically this year," said bin Suroor. "The key for him is that it has got to be good ground, really. He doesn't like fast ground or soft. He is doing well. Oisin Murphy rode him last week, and he worked really nicely."