Bunbury Cup winner More Thunder to miss Ascot’s International Handicap as connections target Glorious Goodwood
More Thunder, the recent winner of the Bunbury Cup, won’t be running in Ascot’s International Handicap. Instead, his connections set their sights on the prestigious Glorious Goodwood.
Key Takeaways
- More Thunder skips Ascot’s major handicap in favour of Glorious Goodwood.
- Strategic decision based on course suitability and race conditions.
- Expected implications for the summer flat racing calendar.
More Thunder’s Recent Triumph and Strategic Shift
More Thunder’s victory in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket was impressive. It secured his status as a top handicap contender. However, his connections chose to withdraw from the Ascot International Handicap. The decision reflects careful consideration of strategic factors influencing their campaign.
Choosing races is more than selecting a prestigious event. The suitability of a course and the horse’s fitness can influence decisions. Ascot, with its unique challenges, might not suit More Thunder’s strengths. Glorious Goodwood, on the other hand, possibly offers conditions more favourable to his running style.
Appeal of Glorious Goodwood for More Thunder
Glorious Goodwood stands out for its track and festival atmosphere. More Thunder’s connections consider these conditions ideal for their horse. The Goodwood course offers a different challenge than Ascot, one that may align better with More Thunder’s performance capabilities.
The racing calendar shapes these decisions. For handicappers like More Thunder, aiming for the right races is crucial. The team behind the horse weighs factors like timing and potential gains from competing in the Goodwood festival.
Implications for More Thunder’s Racing Campaign
The decision impacts More Thunder’s form and stamina. By targeting Goodwood, his team focuses on longer-term goals in his campaign. Expectations of strong performance at Goodwood align with the horse’s recent track record and potential.
Competition at Glorious Goodwood tends to attract top horses. It’s not just about winning; it’s about placing More Thunder in scenarios that maximise his strengths. The broader racing context is clear. Handicappers look to summer festivals for career-defining victories, which impact the racing calendar significantly.
These strategic moves are part of careful management. It’s an approach shared by many seeking major festival wins. For further insights on strategic decisions in racing, see Aidan O’Brien’s strategic plans with Delacroix.
