Bin Suroor Hopes for Fast Track for Thunder Snow

They'll never know the real answer, but the question has been hanging over the Godolphin team since that afternoon in May when all heck broke loose at the start of the first leg of the American classics.

They don't know what prompted their homebred colt Thunder Snow to throw a fit in that moment, a frightening display that saw him pulled up after bucking and propping after the gates sprung in the 2017 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1). And while trainer Saeed bin Suroor has been repeatedly asked to speculate on the incident, now that the bay son of Helmet in his care is preparing once again for a classic run beneath the Twin Spires, he would prefer to focus on what he and his staff know for sure.

Specifically, he is zeroing in on the fact the horse, who has won top-level races on both surfaces across the globe, looks very much like a horse getting into a zone of confidence.

One day after giving bin Suroor an eyeful during a strong gallop, Thunder Snow was fully in the bridle during his time on the track Oct. 31, turning a planned blowout down the lane into a bullet four-furlong move in :47 2/5 at Churchill Downs as he continues preparations for the Nov. 3 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). For a horse who can be on the lazy side with his training, his spirited attitude is giving his connections some similar vibes they hope will result in him turning the site of his infamy into the location of a career-defining win.

The last time bin Suroor saw this kind of action from Thunder Snow, he was getting the Irish-bred runner set for his try in the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1). Let the record show Thunder Show notched a 5 3/4-length victory that night over champion and fellow Classic entrant West Coast .

"A week before the World Cup, he was working really very good," bin Suroor said. "He worked like in 1:26 in the morning in the bridle, it was easy for him. That made me scared in that it was so good. And the horse, he looks brilliant now. I'm looking forward to seeing him run in the race."

Seeing Thunder Snow take to the Churchill surface since arriving this month from New York following his runner-up effort in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) has been a comfort for the Godolphin crew, but also one they know guarantees nothing. Bin Suroor recalled the colt seemed similarly unfazed in the lead-up to his Kentucky Derby outing—until he wasn't.

"It was hard to explain that. The horse before the race, he was brilliant in the walk to the track," bin Suroor said. "Nothing bothered him and suddenly … the drama starts. We couldn't believe it."

Among the many theories floated behind Thunder Snow's Derby reaction was one suggesting that the sound of the hoofbeats on the sealed, wet track upset him. Though Thunder Snow won the 2017 UAE Derby Sponsored By The Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group (G2) over a muddy track in Meydan, bin Suroor is hoping the rain slated to hit Louisville this week clears out in time to give his charge a fast track to work with Saturday.

"I hope the rest (of the rain) stays away from us Saturday," bin Suroor said. "He always gives everything, and he has a big heart. The horse, I hope we keep him sound and healthy until Saturday. And if no rain, I think the horse has a great chance."