Doncaster St Leger Festival: Thunder Snow and Rivet appeal in Champagne Stakes

David Metcalf | September 9, 2016

Thunder Snow to strike in Champagne Stakes

Owners Godolphin have an excellent record in the Group 2 Champagne Stakes and Thunder Snow looks decent value to further enhance it with victory in this year’s renewal of the 7f contest at Doncaster (14:00).

The “Boys in Blue” have won four of the last seven runnings, and Thunder Snow’s trainer Saeed bin Suroor has been responsible for two of those winners – saddling Poet’s Voice to victory in 2009 and Saamidd in 2010.

In Thunder Snow, he has a colt who impressed when making a winning debut at Leicester and has since run two solid races in Group 2 company.

After keeping on nicely to finish sixth of 18 to Caravaggio from a poor draw in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, the son of Helmet ran a blinder to finish runner-up to War Decree in the Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

Form set a clear standard

Thunder Snow raced prominently in the latter and stuck to the task well to go down by 1 3/4 lengths.

The third home Boynton had previously won both his starts, including a Group 2 at Newmarket, in the manner of an exciting prospect and the form sets a clear standard in this contest.

With the stable in good form, and James Doyle in the saddle, this looks a nice opportunity for Thunder Snow to get back on the scoresheet.