Magnificent Storm returns with a vengeance in the Navy Cup

After the superb race that was last week’s Brennan cup, and saw Minstrel destroy his rivals it seemed that this week’s Group 3 $50,000 Catalano Truck and Hire Sales Navy Cup would be somewhat of an anti climax.

And this time star pacer Magnificent Storm (American Ideal) proved his ability to come back after playing with the field to record an easy win.

He was turned in usual superb style by trainer Ray Williams.  A short priced favourite Magnificent Storm showed blistering speed from barrier four to head off speedster Lavra Joe and from then on the race was never in any doubt.

His cause was greatly helped by the driving tactics of Emily Suvaljko on Penny Black who early on had secured a one out and two back trail. No sooner in that position she charged around the field expecting to get outside the leader. But Deni Roberts on Justcallmemiki had other ideas making sure that Penny Black would stay three wide. After that Penny Black was eased back to the rear but all chance was lost by then and she only beat two home.

MAGNIFICENT STORM DEC 5 REPLAY

Magnificent Storm started to stride away along the back straight and at the end he just under 19 metres to spare over Hillview Bondi and Little Darling who both battled on without ever looking likely to trouble the winner. Running his last quarter 27.1 seconds Magnificent Storm returned a mile rate of 1.53.6.

Despite having his colours lowered in last week’s Brennan Cup Aiden De Campo was confident that Magnficent Storm would bounce back.

I knew he would, he’s a super horse. He hadn’t had that hard racing for almost three years. A lot of his wins this time in have been walk to the front and run home in 26. Looking after him and getting his confidence up. That 2500 ripping off the arm like that and running those times if anything has just made him better. Ray knew it would.

After the run when he pulled up the way he pulled up a little bit big over the back with a high heart rate. Ray knew that he needed to go around this week. He made the right call. I think he’ll only improve again after that. So all roads lead to next week.

So now Magnificent Storm will be back to have a crack at next Friday’s Group 1 $450,000 Western Australia Pacing Cup where he is likely to face up against the mighty Minstrel, Mister Smartee, Waverider and Never Ending just to name a few.

It certainly was a memorable night for De Campo who drove three other winners on the card. Bettor’s Arcade (Bettors Delight) finished strongly to take out the opening event, then Magnus Victor (Sweet Lou) despite racing three wide in the final lap finished too solidly for his rivals. In the final event Amalfi Knight (Capt Midnight) edged out Cease to React in the two year old pacers event.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink