SYDNEY, June 29 AAP Trainer Bob Thomsen described today's brilliant Rosehill
debutant Thorn Park as "very exciting" while jockey Darren Beadman said "he's
pretty special".
And few could argue with the lofty assessments of the two-year-old colt by
American stallion Spinning World.
Displaying a turn of foot generally restricted to high-class gallopers, Thorn Park
blitzed his rivals by 3-1/4 lengths to win the Club Seven Hills Hcp (1200m).
Thomsen, the experienced Randwick mentor who has put the polish on numerous
champions throughout his career, stood proudly in the winners' circle today with a
glint in his eye.
"I've taught this horse to do that from day one," Thomsen said of the favourite's
finishing momentum.
"He showed that sort of ability eight months ago but I put the lid on him.
"I had him in or out four or five times and was tempted to take him to Brisbane but
backed off.
"He's real good, something else. Very exciting.
"And to match he's got the acceleration of a good horse, got the looks, intelligent
and bred in the purple.
"He's a very, very exciting horse."
Today's win was almost a carbon copy of Thorn Park's only public appearance
when he scored easily in a Randwick barrier trial on June 7.
The colt was slow to move that day, settling well back before unleashing a
powerful sprint.
Slow to move again today, Thorn Park circled the home bend in third-last position
but when Beadman asked him to lengthen stride the colt responded magnificently to
defeat Bold Youth with Sir Craiglee a length away third.
"I've worked this horse with some real smart horses and he's picked them up and
caned them," Thomsen said.
"I'll see how he pulls up and where we head next but I believe he's an ideal type for
the Caulfield Guineas in the spring.
"That's his main target, it's a great race for good colts."
Thorn Park was purchased for $200,000 at the William Inglis Easter Yearling
Sales.
"He might turn out to be a cheap buy if he's a good as I think he is," Thomsen
said.