Hype continues to build around Magnificent Storm

The harness racing hype around star WA pacer Magnificent Storm (American Ideal) continues to build as he heads towards the $1 million The Nullarbor on April 14.

The chunky gelding looked magnificent during a workout in the early morning sunshine at Byford on Saturday.

He walked out onto the track like he owned the place and was switched on right from the outset.

With regular reinsman Aldo Cortopassi aboard a shiny blue Super Spider sulky, he breezed through a 2400m workout in 3min5sec – running his final 800m in 29.9sec and 27.4sec – like it was a Sunday stroll.

Cortopassi was upbeat about the horse when the pair came off the track.

“He felt sharp. Probably as good as I have felt him,” he said.

Trainer Ray Williams said he pulled up well and he would look to race him in the next week or two.

“He has come back from a break in good condition. He is fresh and we are happy with him,” Williams said.

The American Ideal six-year-old has not raced since a courageous fourth in the WA Pacing Cup on January 27.

He is likely to have one or two runs before The Nullarbor, which will suit him judged on his previous campaigns.

He returned to racing last season in June, winning his first two starts in free-for-all company.

He maintained his blistering form with four wins from his next five starts, including the Village Kid Sprint in a 1.52.3 milerate.

The previous season, he returned in July and won his first six races straight, including the Navy Cup and the James Brennan Memorial.

Managing owner Rob Tomlinson did not want to get into any banter with rival Nullarbor connections.

He simply said: “We are not worried about any other runner.”

by Rick Lee, for RWWA