Stockholm Cup winner Thundering Blue set to reappear in Gordon Richards Stakes

Globetrotting grey Thundering Blue could clash with Crystal Ocean when he makes his seasonal reappearance in the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown on Friday.

The six-year-old was a revelation for trainer David Menuisier and owner Clive Washbourn in 2018, with victories in the Group 2 York Stakes and Group 3 Stockholm Cup headlining a season that also featured placed efforts in the Group 1 Juddmonte International and Grade 1 Canadian International.

"He's in good form and I'm very pleased with him," Menuisier said on Sunday. "He's had a two-month break in the field and looks stronger than ever.

"If he can perform at the same level as last season I'd be delighted; he's definitely in the same sort of shape and spirit."

The field at Sandown could feature 2018 race winner Crystal Ocean, who went on to win the Hardwicke and finish a neck second to Poet's Word in the King George.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained five-year-old was on Sunday general 4-5 favourite for the race, with Thundering Blue between 11-2 and 8-1.

Menuisier, who has also given the six-year-old an entry in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh, continued: "Sandown's by no means a target in itself. It's the first run of the season and he'll be giving weight to everyone including Crystal Ocean.

"If he's good enough to win, great, but if he's not I won't lose sleep over it. We're not delusional, it's not going to be easy."

One change connections will have to negotiate is the retirement of Fran Berry, who has partnered Thundering Blue on his last six starts. Andrea Atzeni, whose only previous ride on the grey resulted in success at York last May, looks the likeliest to ride him at Sandown.

Thundering Blue will be without regular partner and now retired Fran BerryCredit: Steve Cargill

"Andrea's pencilled in at the moment," said Menuisier. "We'll try to find the best available jockey to ride wherever he goes.

"Most top jockeys are retained, so it takes a bit of juggling, but we'll be delighted to have Andrea on Friday, as he's already won on him. As long as we can find someone that keeps him relaxed and in rhythm, that would do."

Get ahead of the game with Get Your Eye In - exclusive Saturday preview content on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app from 2pm on Friday