Williams Excited By Storm’s Return
Trainer Ray Williams has made no secret of just how good he thinks Magnificent Storm is.
He thinks this could be the horse to take him to Pacing Cup glory and that path starts tonight.
Magnificent Storm makes his keenly anticipated return in tonight’s Simmonds Steel-City Of Perth Cup (2130m) at Gloucester Park and Williams will get a good guide on just how well his charge is going.
The four-year-old has drawn barrier three for the $50,000 event with Motu Premier and Balcatherine drawn inside him in barrier one and two respectively.
The son of American Ideal, to be driven by Aldo Cortopassi tonight, produced two sound trial efforts at Byford over the past fortnight in order to have him ready for tonight’s Group 2 event.
Williams said he expected Magnificent Storm would justify his $1.75 TABtouch favouritism.
“He’s not a good trial horse,” Williams told TABradio.
“He only had three weeks off.
“I know he’s first-up but I’m pretty confident tonight.”
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Magnificent Storm won all six of his starts through July, August and September, the most recent of those the Group 2 Navy Cup.
He took the step up to Free-For-All company at four of those six starts and was largely untroubled in each of them.
Williams said he was happy enough to sit in the breeze first-up if Motu Premier or Balcatherine decided to hold the front.
“We won’t be looking for an easy run,” he said.
“It’s not that awkward and I was happy with the draw.
“If they want to be smart and try hold us out we will let them be.
“We’ll sit on the outside.
“I’m pretty confident.”
Williams said he hoped to give Magnificent Storm at least three runs before the Fremantle Cup on January 21.
Meanwhile, Chris Voak, who drives Motu Premier tonight, said he would be happy to hold the front with the Ross Olivieri-trained pacer.
“He should be nearing his peak third run in,” he said.
“If he’s at his best he’s very capable.
“Whether he can burn it’s a valid question.
“He won’t have to burn as hard as the others have to burn.
“He’s more than capable to be on the pegs on pace and finish off.”
Tonight’s Gloucester Park meeting gets underway at 5.23.
Tim Walker
Image – Hamilton Content Creators
WATCH – Magnificent Storm in the Navy Cup