Magnificent Storm strikes in battle of the State’s best

Veteran pacer Magnificent Storm (American Ideal) stepped up his preparation of the future feature races when he led all the way for an effortless harness racing win in the Listed Howard Porter Memorial Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday evening.

Making amends for his desperately unlucky last start when fifth in the August Cup after a torrid run, Magnificent Storm was expected to lead from the pole

The race drew a crack field that saw the return of star performers Mister Smartee and Minstrel. The race also saw the presence of Gee Heza Sport who was fresh from winning the Marathon.

Magnificent Storm had the advantage of race fitness and from the pole position Aiden De Campo had no trouble in easily holding the early lead. No other driver was prepared to take him on early and as a result the field ran in Indian file.

Outsider Brickies Dream sat behind Magnificent Storm and then followed Minstrel, Gee Heza Sport and Mister Smartee.

Nothing changed until about one and a half laps left to travel when Gary Hall Jnr on Mister Smartee eased out to race one out and Gee Heza Sport took the trail right behind him.

in the third quarter having had an easy run in the lead De Campo released the brakes on Magnificent Storm to run 28.5 seconds and then followed up in the final quarter with a scintillating 26.3 seconds.

MAGNIFICENT STORM SEP 12 REPLAY

Brickies Dream ran a gallant race to finish by just under three metres with a similar distance to Minstrel in third placing ahead of Mister Smartee and Gee Heza Sport.

Trained by Ray Williams, Magnificent Storm was turned out in his usual classic condition and looked a treat when he stepped on the track.

There’s no doubt that Minstrel and Mister Smartee winner of Nullabor and Fremantle Cup will be improved by that hit out. They are all bound to meet up again in the forthcoming James Brennan Memorial, JP Stratton Cup and culminating in the Group 1 $450,000 West Australia Pacing Cup at Gloucester Park on 12 December.

Both Minstrel and Gee Heza Sport have been nominated for the Group 1 New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington Raceway on November 11.

It’s clear that from last night’s event that the barrier draw will play a crucial role in how these big races will turn out but in last night’s event nothing can be taken away from Magnificent Storm who has now won over $1,188,000 in stake money with 39 wins and 12 placings from 65 starts.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink