Impressive Prix Jean Prat victory for Thunder Snow

Thunder Snow made all to win the G1 Prix Jean Prat much more comfortably than the length and a quarter verdict suggests at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, July 9.

The three-year-old son of Helmet went to the front from the start under regular rider Christophe Soumillon and was always going well in the mile race on good turf.

The Godolphin colt was asked to keep picking up the pace in the straight and stormed clear of his opponents inside the final furlong.

Thunder Snow was eased down close home to overcome his main rival, the previously unbeaten Trais Fluors, who came with a late flourish without threatening, in 1m 38.78s.

Saeed bin Suroor commented: “Thunder Snow has done very well today and won the race easily.

“He handled the going fine and the jockey gave him a good ride all the way.

“This was his second G1 victory in France (from two starts there) and he has also won two Classics in Dubai. 

“We will keep the options open about his next target as he prefers some give in the ground. He could go back up in trip at York (for the G1 Juddmonte Stakes, August 23, 1m 2f) or we may keep him for the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Ascot, October 21, 1m).”

Christophe Soumillon added: “The race went well. Thunder Snow was able to go ahead and relaxed in front. When I asked him to accelerate, he was very professional and had all the answers.”