Could it be third time lucky for King Of Thunder in the upcoming Queensland Derby?

The promising stayer has shown consistency throughout his three-year-old season, and connections are hopeful that firmer ground at Eagle Farm will allow him to unleash his full potential in Saturday’s classic.

King Of Thunder was last seen finishing third behind Imperialist on a heavy surface in the Rough Habit Plate (2000m), a run that co-trainer Tom Charlton believes didn’t reflect the colt’s best ability.

“It looked like he was coming to make his challenge and just worked away to the line,” Charlton said.

“He shows a few more gears than that normally. The comment from the rider was he just got slightly dulled in the conditions.”

“We were delighted with him the other day. He didn’t love that ground and he’s probably looking for a bit more of a test, which he will get next Saturday.”

With Brisbane expected to enjoy fine weather this week, the drying track should be more suitable for King Of Thunder, who will be contesting his third Derby after finishing seventh in the Victoria Derby and fifth in the Australian Derby earlier this season.

“He has been running really well in all these Derby races and has a likable profile going into it,” Charlton said.

King Of Thunder is currently the $6 favourite for the Derby with leading betting sites, while stablemate Hurstville Zagreb, who was beaten into third by Let’s Fly at Randwick, has drifted to $15.

Let’s Fly, trained by Will Freedman, is being considered for a late entry into the Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm on June 7, pending her recovery from Saturday’s run.

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