Advancing years are not affecting the sheer brilliance of Magnificent Storm, who reappeared after a nine-week absence in the $50,000 Village Kid Sprint over 1730m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
At his first outing as a nine-year-old he was given an easy task by star reinsman Aiden de Campo as he strolled to an effortless victory, rating 1.53 and showing he is on song for further rich plums over the next couple of months.
“Everything is good as gold; his body and legs are sound, and he is ready to tackle a series of important events,” said veteran trainer Ray Williams.
“He won’t start next Friday and we’re planning that his next run will be in the $50,000 Pinjarra Cup in three Monday’s time. He will also be set for the $50,000 Bunbury Cup (March 28), the $1.25 million Nullarbor (April 17) and the $300,000 Fremantle Cup (April 24).”
Magnificent Storm, having his first start since finishing a close second to Minstrel in the WA Pacing Cup on December 12, was the $1.10 favourite from the No. 3 barrier, with de Campo sending the New Zealand-bred gelding straight to the front and meandering through the opening 400m sections in 29.8sec. and 29.4sec. before sprinting over the final quarters in 27.7sec. and 27.1sec.
He beat $17 chance Hotly Pursued by 7m after that pacer had enjoyed a perfect trip behind the frontrunning Magnificent Storm. Otis ($51) fought on grandly to be a head away in third place after working in the breeze throughout. Better Eclipse ($13) ran on from fifth on the pegs at the bell to be a sound fourth, with Lavra Joe ($61) an encouraging fifth.
“Magnificent Storm was super,” said de Campo. “This was the best and the sharpest he’s felt, first-up, for a long time. Normally, first-up, he has a look around to see what’s going on. But tonight, he was sharp and on the bridle.
“Ray said I should give him an easy run as possible, and the horse went to the line, sharp-as. He did it the right way, not being extended early before running fast final quarters.
“Magnificent Storm produces his best year after year, so it’s credit to the horse, and to Ray and the team.”
Williams was more than pleased with Magnificent Storm’s performance, saying that he would space the gelding’s runs while maintaining his fitness, leading up to the Nullarbor.
“He is a little gross Jack Sheedy (the former champion footballer for WA, East Fremantle and East Perth),” explained Williams. “He is solidly built like Sheedy, but he is getting older and more cunning. I had to show him the whip last week while working him on the jog track.”
Magnificent Storm is unbeaten in the group 3 Village Kid Sprint, having rated 1.53.9 in both his previous wins in 2022 and 2023.
He looks destined to improve significantly on his outstanding record of 72 starts for 43 wins, 14 placings and stakes of $1,375,587.
