More Thunder poised for Foret bid

More Thunder will be given the chance to enhance William Haggas’ fine record in the Prix de la Foret when he steps up to the highest level at ParisLongchamp next month.

The Saeed Suhail-owned four-year-old has been one of the stars of the season, with his only defeat in five outings coming when narrowly denied in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot.

He stepped out of handicap company with aplomb when winning the Hungerford Stakes in style last month and the manner in which he won that Group Two event has earned the son of Night Of Thunder a crack at Group One company, with the form of that race subsequently boosted by Park Stakes winner Marvelman among others.

More Thunder now heads to the Bois de Boulogne with confidence high he can make his mark in a race Haggas won three years on the bounce with One Master between 2018 and 2020.

“He’ll go to Paris for the Prix de la Foret on Arc day,” said the Somerville Lodge handler.

“He’s very much earned his shot at a Group One, he’s rated 119 now and there wouldn’t be many seven-furlong horses rated higher than him in this country.

“If you look closely at the form of the Hungerford it has worked out very well, not only with Marvelman but whatever finished fourth and fifth have also upped their game since and run well.

“It looks strong form and he won the Hungerford nicely, so if we can keep him in the same frame of mind and well-being he should run a really nice race, hopefully.”

While More Thunder is headed for Group One company, lofty assignments will have to wait for well-regarded youngster Division, who enhanced his reputation with a taking success at Yarmouth earlier this week.

The Wathnan Racing-owned son of Kingman – who cost 800,000 guineas as a yearling – holds an entry for the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday week, but Haggas is inclined to stick to calmer waters if possible before the season ends.

“We think the Middle Park would come a bit soon and I don’t think he’s quite good enough at the moment,” said Haggas.

“I think he’s a very nice horse, but he won’t run in the Middle Park.

“I would love to get him out again, but I would like it to be on decent ground and a lot would depend on if we get any as the rain looks to have got in a bit, but we’ll see.

“Hopefully next year will be his year and he’s a nice horse.”