Cup back on Storm’s radar

Class harness racing pacer Magnificent Storm (American Ideal) could still feature in this year’s TABtouch-WA Pacing Cup (2536m).

The six-year-old returned to Perth by road from Queensland after his Constellations campaign last month.

When the WA Pacing Cup was rescheduled to November earlier this year, it seemed unlikely Magnificent Storm would return from Queensland in time to have a shot at the $450,000 event.

But trainer Ray Williams said the gelding had arrived back at his Mt Helena stable on Sunday in good order and would be given every chance to have a shot at the Group 1 event.

“He’s started working again this week and he’s as bright as a button,” Williams told The Trots WA.

“He’s eating everything we put in front of him, so we will just see how he comes up now.

“He had four weeks resting in Queensland and New South Wales with Luke McCarthy.

“The plan with him from here will be to let him tell me how he’s going.”

The WA Pacing Cup will take place on November 10, with the $100,000 J P Stratton Cup and $100,000 James Brennan Memorial the key lead-up races on October 13 and October 27 respectively.

Williams said Magnificent Storm’s spot in the Pacing Cup could depend on whether he was able to run in at least one of the lead-up races.

“Ideally, he would start in both of those races,” he said.

“If it got to the stage where he was only ready to go for the Pacing Cup it would be tough for him.

“He will get back to full jog work next week and I reckon he will be close to starting a month before the Pacing Cup.

“That being the case, he will be close to starting in both lead up races.”

Magnificent Storm, who has built an imposing record of 32 wins from 53 starts, was unplaced in three starts in Queensland.

Williams said despite his stable star not winning in Queensland, he was confident it would hold him in good stead in the long run.

“It was a great experience there,” he said.

“I had people telling me in Queensland the horse would improve for the preparation over here.

“Hopefully he does.”

by Tim Walker for RWWA