Unbeaten Thunderous likely to step up in trip Unbeaten juvenile Thunderous may move up to a mile in the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes on his next start. The Mark Johnston-trained colt has won each of his three career outings over seven furlongs, including the Listed Denford Stakes last time, and holds an entry in Saturday’s Solario Stakes at Sandown. Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, believes a step up in distance for next month’s Royal Lodge at Newmarket is the more likely option at this stage — although Doncaster’s Champagne Stakes over seven furlongs is still in the mix. He said: “I spoke to Mark yesterday, and I think he’s likely to be heading to the Royal Lodge or the Champagne Stakes rather than run on Saturday. “He’s very well and in good form, but we think a mile might suit him better at this stage. “He’s a very exciting horse and unbeaten so far. It’s a tough one when he’s been winning over seven furlongs — but the way he’s raced, looking like he’s going to be swallowed up and keeping on again, we think a mile might suit. “I wouldn’t rule out the Champagne Stakes, but I think the Royal Lodge is the favoured option.”
