THUNDER Snow’s failure to compete in the Kentucky Derby this year is fading into the background as the season continues and he laid that memory to rest last weekend when he won his second Group 1, the one-mile Prix Jean Prat. Bred by Darley and carrying the Godolphin colours, Thunder Snow landed the Group 1 Criterium International last autumn, and in the process gave his sire Helmet (Exceed And Excel) his first winner at the highest level.

Helmet and Excelebration are two sons of Exceed And Excel (Danehill) to have Group 1 winners in Europe this year. Kidangan Stud resident Exceed And Excel is a potent sire of two-year-olds and he excelled himself at the same age, winning four of his five starts. They included the Sires’ Produce Stakes over seven furlongs and the Champagne Stakes over a mile. The following year he won the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas in a record time. He is a half-brother to Epaulette who has his first runners this year.