Think Big, a grandson of Argentine G1 winner Qué Piensa Cat, shone brightly on Kentucky Derby Day

The Godolphin homebred captured the Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs, confirming his outstanding current form

In turf sprinting, Think Big is unstoppable / CHURCHILL DOWNS

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).- With a devastating final kick, Think Big reaffirmed his class this Saturday by winning the 31st edition of the Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes (G2), a race worth $600,000 and run over 1100 meters on the Matt Winn Turf Course at Churchill Downs, rated as "good."

Racing for the blue colors of Godolphin and trained by Michael Stidham, the son of Twirling Candy triumphed by three-quarters of a length over Boss Sully (Street Boss), with whom he battled in a thrilling stretch duel. Under the guidance of jockey Ben Curtis, the bay stopped the clock at 1m2s35/100, setting a new race record.

Think Big is a grandson of the Argentine record-holder and G1 winner Qué Piensa Cat (Easing Along), who returned to Argentina a few seasons ago and now forms part of the broodmare band at Haras Vacación. Boss Sully, his runner-up, is a maternal grandson of Candy Ride (Ride the Rails).

The race saw Coppola (Into Mischief) take the early lead, setting splits of 22s66/100 for the first 400 meters, with Boss Sully close behind. As they rounded the final turn, Boss Sully took command and seemed headed for victory, but Think Big emerged as the only serious threat and, in the decisive meters, overtook him with authority.

Ben Curtis explained, “He doesn’t have a fixed style. He’s run from the back, from mid-pack, or close to the pace. This time, I found an ideal spot where he was always in the race. He’s very strong in the stretch. It took me a bit longer than I expected to pass him, but I knew we would catch him.”

Trainer Mike Stidham also highlighted his horse’s heart: “I didn’t give Ben any special instructions. He knows him well. With 100 meters to go, I thought we weren’t going to make it, that we’d be second… But he hung on like a champion and got it done. Every now and then, things go just right.”

For Think Big, this was his second graded victory, having previously won the Shakertown Stakes (G2) last month at Keeneland. Bred in Kentucky by Godolphin, he is the son of Always Thinking, by Street Sense, and continues to build an impressive campaign, particularly in the shorter turf sprints.