Thunder Snow Posts First Major Work for Whitney Stakes

Godolphin's multiple group 1 winner Thunder Snow returned to the Saratoga Race Course main track July 28 for his last major work heading into the Aug. 3 $1 million Whitney Stakes (G1).

With exercise rider Walter Lynch up, the 5-year-old breezed seven furlongs in 1:27.31 to the delight of Tommy Burns, traveling assistant for conditioner Saeed bin Suroor.

"He's worked well," said Burns. "Initially, Saeed wanted 1:28, so we got what we wanted. There was another horse working around the same time in front us, so that gave him something to aim at. I was pleased with that, and once he went past that worker, he pulled up, which is what he would do if he was working with a lead horse back home."

The two-time Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) winner and richest active horse in racing with $16,511,476 in earnings, Thunder Snow is in search of his first grade 1 in North America. Last year, he finished second in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park and third in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs.

Last out, the bay son of Helmet finished third in the June 8 Runhappy Metropolitan Handicap (G1) at Belmont.

Burns said Thunder Snow has adapted to Saratoga with aplomb.

"The best I've ever seen of him in America is on this surface," said Burns. "He just seems to be thriving here and moving so well. We usually work him with cheek pieces on in America because in the past he's been a bit lazy, but he's shown no signs of that. All the factors say he's handled himself fine. Nothing seems to faze him."

Burns said a decision would be made later in the week regarding a potential blowout ahead of Saturday's nine-furlong test on the Saratoga main track.

"If anything, he may do a two- or three-furlong blowout on Thursday. We'll see how he is and what Saeed will want to do."