Group 1 winner Thunder Moon warms up for Saudi target in classy conditions event

Friday: 6.15 Dundalk
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It's not too often we see a trio of rivals rated 105 or higher, including a Group 1 and Group 3 winner, do battle at Dundalk on a Friday night in January but that is exactly what we have here.

Throughout his two-year-old campaign it looked as though the world was Thunder Moon's oyster, progressing from a barrier trial win at Dundalk to an impressive Curragh maiden win and Group 1 strike in the Vincent O'Brien National Stakes.

World champion St Mark's Basilica was third on the latter occasion before reversing the form with the Joseph O'Brien-trained colt in the Dewhurst, while top-level scorers Lucky Vega, Laws Of Indices and Mac Swiney featured among Thunder Moon's Curragh victims.

Declan McDonogh: reunited with Thunder Moon at Dundalk on FridayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

With the exception of an excellent second to Laws Of Indices in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat in July, it was a disappointing three-year-old season for the Zoffany colt, which began when failing to beat a rival in the 2,000 Guineas field when sent off at 11-2.

This assignment represents a major drop in class for the 113-rated performer, who has been absent since a mid-field finish in the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes in October.

He is 5lb better off with his nearest-rated rival Pretreville, trained by Ado McGuinness. A Group 3 winner for Pascal Bary in 2020 now rated 108, the seven-year-old failed to fire in his first two starts for these connections last term, having been picked up for 95,000gns in September.

O'Brien also calls on the race-fit San Andreas, who stayed on well for third after missing the break on his comeback five weeks ago.

San Andreas: no back number for Joseph O'BrienCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

He isn't particularly well treated at the weights, giving 3lb to Thunder Moon and Pretreville despite being rated 105, but that recent run and form figures of 73211123 at this track make him a legitimate contender.

James McAuley has been enjoying a fine winter at Ireland's only all-weather venue and identified this five-runner affair as a good opportunity to pick up €1,160 in prize money with his two representatives Meishar and Sister Lola.

Both have the advantage of race fitness but can't be fancied on all known form.

Despite the proven class of Thunder Moon and Pretreville, both seemingly have one eye on international targets and San Andreas could be the one to take advantage at a track he loves.

What they say

James McAuley, trainer of Meishar and Sister Lola
We were already going to be at Dundalk on Friday and I couldn't be sitting in the canteen there watching a three-runner race knowing we could have been involved. We're under no illusions of the task at hand and we'll be happy if they can run their race and pick up the bit of prize money. They're fit and well. Hopefully they'll keep the others honest.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of San Andreas and Thunder Moon
They're two nice horses. San Andreas is very good over this course and distance and I think he'll run a big race. Thunder Moon comes back early with an eye on the possibility of going to Saudi Arabia. We're looking forward to getting him out.

Ado McGuinness, trainer of Pretreville
He's a good horse on his day and has had a few issues. We've got his wind done and have been very happy with him, he's working well. We're hoping that if he runs a nice race we might be able to travel abroad with him so we'll see how he gets on here.

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