Thunder Down Under (Mark Hills) capturing the Bestaff 1600

By: Mark Nowell

Te Rapa trainer Stephen Ralph is aiming towards the Triple Crown series at Hastings in the spring with his three-year-old Thunder Down Under, after the colt comfortably took out the $25,000 Bestaff 1600 (Rating 85) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

The son of Street Sense has had an unlucky campaign this season. After impressively winning the Listed $50,000 BMW Salver (2100m), the colt has been dogged by a series of problems but Ralph has never doubted the ability of his charge.

"It's about time. His three-year-old preparation has been frustrating," Ralph said.

Thunder Down Under's previous start was an unlucky fifth placing in the Group Two $100,000 Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie last month. After suffering early interference when Danielle Johnson parted company with Romantic Maid, he was a big chance to win the feature until rider Johnathan Parkes eased him down over the final stages, concerned with Johnson still lying on the track ahead.

"We thought he would win that day and then we would have gone to the Queensland Derby," Ralph said.

On Saturday, rider Mark Hills took unlucky out of the equation, allowing Thunder Down Under to dictate terms in front, comfortably holding off Meritaggio by three quarters of a length.

"I'm glad Mark showed his initiative and took him to the front, the horse showed what he can do."

"I'll probably give him a run a month now as we head toward the Triple Crown series spring. It might not be a track that suits him, but I know he is a weight-for-age horse," Ralph said.

Thunder Down Under has had one start in weight-for-age company, finishing tenth in the Group One Zabeel Classic (2000m) on Boxing Day.

Ralph purchased Thunder Down Under at the 2014 Karaka Select Yearling Sales for $12,000

Thunder Down Under has now had 16 starts for two wins, two placings and more than $72,000 in prize-money.