I’m Thunderstruck to start path to Cox Plate in $5m All-Star Mile at Flemington

Mick Price wants I’m Thunderstruck to become a top weight-for-age performer and the All-Star Mile is the perfect place to start.

I'm Thunderstruck and jockey Jye McNeil are well in the betting to win Saturday’s $5m All-Star Mile at Flemington. Picture : Racing Photos via Getty Images.

Saturday’s $5m All-Star Mile could form part of a crucial transition for outstanding galloper I’m Thunderstruck.

I’m Thunderstruck won the Group 1 Toorak Handicap and the $7.5m Golden Eagle in a terrific spring preparation. But those wins were in handicap and four-year-old grade respectively.

Co-trainer Mick Price would love to see I’m Thunderstruck perform strongly in Saturday’s Flemington contest as part of a long-range plan for the four-year-old to enter the weight-for-age ranks.

That won’t happen until the spring as Price and co-trainer Michael Kent Jr will run I’m Thunderstruck in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile in Sydney after the All-Star Mile.

Beating favourite Zaaki on Saturday would convince Price and Kent they had a horse capable of winning a Cox Plate in the spring.

“He’s got to prove that he’s going to be a good weight-for-age horse against good horses,” Price said.

“I think he’s thereabouts but he’s still got to prove that. There’s no doubt about that.”

I’m Thunderstruck has finished fifth in both the CF Orr and Futurity Stakes at his first two weight-for-age starts but those runs were over 1400m.

Price said I’m Thunderstruck would relish 1600m, especially on the spacious Flemington circuit.

I’m Thunderstruck was a Group 1 winner under handicap conditions at Caulfield in the spring. Picture: Getty Images

“He’s definitely looking for a mile now to use his brilliant turn of foot,” Price said.

“He’s got the stamina and he likes being trained for the mile. The tempo suits him.

“A mile is much better for him than 1400m.”

I’m Thunderstruck drew barrier one at Tuesday’s All-Star Mile barrier draw.

The inside barrier would be a godsend for most horses but Price wondered whether the gate would present a tricky challenge for the powerful gelding.

Price conceded jockey Jye McNeil would need a touch of luck to get off the rail around Flemington’s sweeping home turn.

“I’m a bit nervous about the barrier but that’s Jye McNeil’s job to get off the fence and find something to take him into the race,” Price said.

“Barrier one is definitely a traffic gate if it doesn’t work but if it does work, it’s fantastic because he’ll do no work.

“I can’t have him any better but I’ll say a couple of Hail Marys from barrier one.”

I’m Thunderstruck is an equal $6 second favourite in the latest TAB betting on the All-Star Mile.

Originally published as I’m Thunderstruck to start path to Cox Plate in $5m All-Star Mile at Flemington