18 wins in 19 starts but has more to prove

He has won 18 of his 19 starts in Australia but classy pacer Magnificent Storm still has a bit to prove according to his trainer Ray Williams.

The four-year-old son of American Ideal has been a pacing sensation since arriving in Western Australia last year.

The New Zealand import won his first 12 starts on Australian soil before facing his first and only defeat on this side of the Tasman.

That loss was in the $200,000 Golden Nugget where Magnificent Storm was beaten a neck by Minstrel in that feature.

“I still believe to this day that was the best race he has put in for me even though he was beaten,” said Williams.

“He started from barrier nine on the second row and had to go back to last and make a three-wide run and was only beaten a neck.

“He’s had 19 starts and it’s the only time he’s been beaten since being with us and the only race we’ve really set him up for.”

Magnificent Storm had a break following that and came back this preparation to win his next six starts.

That included victory at Gloucester Park last Friday night where Aiden De Campo drove the gelding for the first time in his career.

Pushing his earnings to $321,384, Magnificent Storm did it the tough way outside the leader and rated 1:55.1 for the Group 2 Navy Cup 2130m feature.

The four-year-old has now been sent out for another spell before Williams aims his pacer at the next level.

“He will head to the paddock for three weeks and have a freshen-up before we head towards the Pacing Cup (WA) and Fremantle Cup,” said Williams.

“At this stage we’re just worrying about the races we have over here (WA) before considering races like the Miracle Mile.

“Every time he goes around he gives me confidence but he is still learning and he would have to prove it in that grade before we consider anything in the east.

“He’s by far the best horse I’ve ever had . . . I’ve had some nice horses in the past but not too many people get to experience a horse like this.

“Some go a lifetime without getting a horse like this. He is the real deal.”

The Mt Helena horseman admits there is added pressure when training a horse like Magnificent Storm.

“It’s pretty hard, ask my wife she’ll tell you, the morning up to a race can be full on,” Williams admitted.

“Every time he races I find a reason why he can get beat but he keeps proving me wrong. He gives me more confidence in what he can do every time he goes around.”

By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink