King Of Thunder is shaping up for a third crack at Derby glory, this time in the Queensland Derby, and connections believe this could be his best opportunity yet.

The consistent three-year-old put in a solid showing in the Rough Habit Plate, placing third behind Imperialist on a heavy track. Co-trainer Tom Charlton believes the wet conditions may have dulled his finish and is hopeful a firmer surface will see the colt at his best.

“It looked like he was coming to make his challenge and just worked away to the line,” Charlton said.

“He shows a few more gears than that normally. The comment from the rider was he just got slightly dulled in the conditions.”

“We were delighted with him the other day. He didn’t love that ground and he’s probably looking for a bit more of a test, which he will get next Saturday.”

The Queensland weather forecast is favourable, and the team is quietly confident ahead of King Of Thunder’s third attempt at Derby level, having previously placed in the Victoria Derby and Australian Derby.

“He has been running really well in all these Derby races and has a likable profile going into it,” Charlton said.

Bookmakers have installed King Of Thunder as the $6 favourite with top betting sites, while stablemate Hurstville Zagreb has drifted after a modest performance at Randwick.

Meanwhile, Let’s Fly, who beat Hurstville Zagreb, may target the Queensland Oaks on June 7, pending final assessments.

For those eyeing value in the Derby or Oaks markets, it’s worth checking the latest offers from leading betting platforms.