Godolphin's Thunder Snow (Ire) (Helmet {Aus}) will on Sunday seek his third Group 1 win in France when he lines up in Deauville's G1 Prix Jacques le Marois. The bay-who has made 12 starts in four countries-won the G1 Criterium International at two and took Chantilly's G1 Prix Jean Prat last out on July 9. Thunder Snow began the year with wins in Meydan's G3 UAE 2000 Guineas and G2 UAE Derby, but caused a monumental scene at the GI Kentucky Derby when throwing a bucking fit just strides from the gate and being pulled up out of the race. The bay has since made a good account of himself back in Europe, however, finishing second in the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas and third in the G1 St James's Palace S. prior to his Prix Jean Prat win. He faces five rivals on Sunday, with Roly Poly (War Front) removed from the race on Friday.
“He's come back from his last run very well and seems fresh,” said trainer Saeed bin Suroor. “He's in good form and his last piece of work was very good indeed.”
Bin Suroor is, however, realistic about the colt's opposition.
“Obviously he won a Group 1 in France last time out, but this race looks even tougher,” he said. “The quality looks really high, but I'm very happy with him. He's such a tough horse and he loves all the traveling.”
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