Sandown the target for popular grey

Thundering Blue is on course to return to action in the Bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown on April 26.

The popular grey won the Group Two York Stakes last season before outrunning his 50-1 odds to finish third to Roaring Lion in the Juddmonte International.

With regular partner Fran Berry now retired, though, trainer David Menuisier will have to appoint a new jockey.

“The plan is to run in the Gordon Richards at Sandown on April 26, but after Danceteria won in France, I’m less adamant as they are very similar horses,” said the Frenchman.

“Obviously Thundering Blue is much higher rated at the moment, but that is the plan at the moment.

“He feels great, the trip and track will suit him and he’ll only have his penalty for the Stockholm Cup, not his Group Two one.

“I’m tempted to have a go at some of the races in North America at some point. My gut feeling is the three-year-olds this year in Europe are quite decent and it will be difficult to give them weight.

“From the summer onwards we could look at America, will see how he gets on in the spring.

“He got on great with Fran, I’ve a pretty good idea who I want to replace him, but I’ll keep that to myself for now!”