Cosy Draw For Storm’s Return
Exciting pacer Magnificent Storm looks well placed to continue his winning ways when he lines up first-up in the Simmonds Steel-City Of Perth Cup (2130m) at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Magnificent Storm won all six of his starts including the Marathon, Navy Cup and James Brennan Memorial in his winter and spring campaign.
He has had two trials to get set for his Pacing Cup campaign, the most recent was a sound performance at Byford on Sunday in 1.57.4.
The Ray Williams-trained pacer has drawn barrier three for this week’s $50,000 event, with Motu Premier and Balcatherine drawn in one and two respectively.
Motu Premier hasn’t started from barrier one since June 2020 and was beaten by Chicago Bull after leading on that occasion.
Balcatherine has been placed at each of her three starts back from a spell, including a third to Savvy Bromac in the Mares Classic (2536m) almost a fortnight ago.
Savvy Bromac gets a chance to strengthen her case for a start in the Pacing Cups when she starts in the City Of Perth Cup from barrier four.
Reigning WA Pacing Cup champion Vultan Tin makes his return in the Group 2 event as well, where he will start from barrier five.
Hurricane Harley, a winner of the Group 3 RWWA Stakes last week, will have to overcome barrier eight if he’s to make it back-to-back Free-For-All wins.
Maddison Brown retains the drive on Hurricane Harley, while Gary Hall Jnr teams up with Balcatherine.
Papinik will be another headline act on the 10-event card when he lines up in the Etch Coatings Mobile Sandblastin & Painting Pace (2130m).
The Ross Olivieri-trained pacer made a superb return to racing on November 12 and looks set to make it two wins from as many starts from barrier one in a five-horse field.
Gary Hall Snr’s talented three-year-old pacers Finvarra and Jumpingjackmac will clash again in the Simmonds Steel Industrial & Mining Fabrication Pace (2536m).
Finvarra (barrier seven) drew inside Jumpingjackmac (six) at their two most recent clashes, but it’s Jumpingjackmac with draw advantage this week.
Tim Walker
Image – Hamilton Content Creators
WATCH – Magnificent Storm’s trial