Racing

Think Big Passes Class Test in Valvoline Global Shakertown

Godolphin’s Think Big’s winning performance in Tuesday’s $400,000 Valvoline Global Shakertown (G2) going 5½ furlongs left his connections, well, thinking big.

“That was a big effort, and the question going into the race was could he step up to that level,” trainer Mike Stidham said Wednesday morning. “His second turf win at the Fair Grounds (Feb. 7) gave us more confidence.”

The victory kept Think Big perfect on the grass in three starts.

“He obviously loves the grass and he has grass in his pedigree and you learn as you go with them,” Stidham said.

Think Big, now a four-time winner, has had jockey Ben Curtis in the saddle for all of those victories.

“Ben has ridden for us for two years now, and he does a great job,” Stidham said. “We like his style, he’s a hard worker and is with us in the mornings and is the kind of rider we want.”

Next for Think Big could be the $600,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2) Presented by Accenture on May 3 at Churchill Downs.

“It is possible,” Stidham said. “We are going to keep our options open and look around.”

Think Big’s victory gave Godolphin 26 stakes triumphs at Keeneland, tying Godolphin with Claiborne Farm for the most all time in track history.