Ill-fated stallion Shot of Thunder broke through for a black-type first when his mare Persian Star powered home to land the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (3200m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Shot of Thunder began his career in Perth winning six races before crossing the Nullabor to win the G1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.  He retired to Glenlogan Park in 2003 but died just prior to the 2004 serving season.  From that sole crop, he has sired 19 winners at an 86% strike rate!

Persian Star (5m Shot of Thunder – Persian Trifle by Persian Heights) continued the winning run being enjoyed by Robert Smerdon this month.  The Caulfield trainer won 7 races and a Mercedes-Benz at the Warrnambool carnival.

“Winning the Andrew Ramsden was never a plan – but it’s a hell of a bonus!” Smerdon commented.  “Twelve months ago we went to Mildura a couple of times and got beaten.  She’s been an absolute revelation.”

Persian Star cost just $7,000 at the 2005 Magic Millions National weanling sale from the Hoofprints draft and has now earned over $336,000.  She is part-owned by Melbourne businessmen Tony and Joe Bongiorno.

Persian Star won her maiden at Sale in May 2008 and then added further provincial victories at Warrnambool and Bairnsdale before coming to town where she has since won at Moonee Valley (2) and Flemington (2).

Her dam Persian Trifle is a half sister to G2 Hong Kong Sprint Cup winner Ultra Fantasy (Encosta de Lago) and the dam of G3 Launceston Cup winner Precise Timing (Johann Quatz).