King Of Thunder - ATC Australian Derby bound

King Of Thunder made the most of his opportunity to stake his ATC Australian Derby credentials, defeating the older horses to earn a shot at the Tulloch Stakes (2000m) in two weeks.

The Michael Freedman-trained Wymark won the corresponding race 12 months ago before taking out the Tulloch, while O'Shea produced Benaud to finish fifth in 2022 before he went on to run second in that year's Derby.

"It's a race we have traditionally used over the years in the lead up to the Derby and it has provided a good guide," O'Shea said.

"The fact this bloke is able to win with a decent weight for a three-year-old is very encouraging second-up, but he is a genuine stayer.

"He will go to the Tulloch next and all going well, into the Derby."

Ridden by Zac Lloyd, King Of Thunder ($4.40) finished powerfully between runners to down All In The Mind ($11) by three-quarters of a length and the young hoop said the three-year-old remained open to further improvement.

"He got himself a bit warm pre-race and with these (hot) conditions I was a bit concerned, but he executed the race well," Lloyd said.

"He jumped well, he travelled nicely and he showed a nice turn of speed for a stayer and was strong through the line."