With the likes of Isivunguvungu out of the picture in what was a close Sprint division anyway, it's the multiple Gr1-winning Sprinter Thunderstruck who leads that division after another fitness proving effort ahead of the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint at Scottsville in the first day of June.

The warm up Pinnacle Plate at Turffontein on Saturday got Piere Strydom searching for all that he's worth to win a close affair.

The 4-year-old son of Rafeef, already announced as a stallion prospect for next season was skillfully maneuvered by the former champion for Mary Slack up the inside of the track.

Thunderstruck’s prowess and enthusiasm were evident as he prepared for the Grade 1 event, carrying a topweight of 62kgs over the 1000m straight.

Positioned just ahead of midfield early in the race, Thunderstruck (12-10) advanced smoothly along the inside until Strydom pressed the button.

In the final segment of the event, Strydom, who has long been acknowledged as one of the finest riders ever produced by this country, guided Thunderstruck to edge out Clint Binda’s promising 3yo Ziyasha (10-1) by 0.1 of a length.

It's been well documented that Thunderstruck was bought at an Online auction for just over R1,2m. The Javett Dispersal purchase was initially acquired for R1m in 2021. Bred by Avontuur, he is out of the Gr2-winning Var mare, Varikate.

To date, Thunderstruck has achieved 8 wins and 7 places from 18 starts, amassing stakes of R2,541,938 and will be going for a third Gr1 win in the Scottsville headliner. He was regularly a bridesmaid to Isivunguvungu and more recently Dyce in previous Gr1 events but commanded a Computaform Sprint win at his last start.

Image 4RACING extraction