I’m Thunderstruck’s brave Cox Plate finish

The W.S. Cox Plate lived up to its feature status of last Saturday’s race meeting at The Valley, producing an epic encounter, with Anamoe holding off OTI’s fast-finishing I’m Thunderstruck to take out the Group 1 classic.

I’m Thunderstruck, disadvantaged by his wide draw, landed at the back of the field – a position that put him in a difficult spot for the entire race. Not entirely comfortable on the Heavy 8 surface, the son of Shocking sprouted wings when finding firmer footing in the straight to run home in incredible style, beaten just 0.4 lengths.

Last 400m of the 2022 Cox Plate with I’m Thunderstruck finishing 2nd under Mark Zahra

While Anamoe was celebrated in deserving fashion, you couldn’t help but be impressed by the performance of I’m Thunderstruck. Imagine what could have been if he were able to have settled closer in the run.

Nevertheless, I’m Thunderstruck again proved that he is a serious Group 1 racehorse. In his five starts this preparation, all at Group 1 level, he has only missed the placings once, finishing second three times as well as winning the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.

It has been an incredible preparation for I’m Thunderstruck and he is now the highest rated horse in OTI history.