Storm survives tense Brennan Memorial

It wasn’t easy but Magnificent Storm has continued his winning ways, taking out last Saturday night’s James Brennan Memorial (2536m) at Gloucester Park.

The $1.07 TABtouch favourite was crossed by Vampiro at the start and made to work to take back the lead with just over two laps to go.

Aldo Cortopassi was able to control the race from the front and looked to have the race in his keeping on the turn for home.

Vampiro made a late dive at the four-year-old but fell short by a head, with Bracken Sky back in third.

It was the first time this campaign Magnificent Storm had less than two weeks between runs, after he took out the York Cup last Friday.

Trainer Ray Williams said he was pleased to get the win but conceded he may have been too light on the gelding during the week.

“It was good that he won but I think he probably could’ve gone better,” he said.

“He still went well, and he’s pulled up a treat from the run.

“We probably learnt that he needs to be worked right up to the day of his races.

“We probably tried to be too smart during the week and it almost came undone.

“He’s a bit of a character and when he got on the track last night Aldo said he nearly ran into the fence on the back straight in the warm up and just got a bit above himself.”

Williams said despite not winning in the same style he did in the York Cup, it was still a step in the right direction beating a seasoned Free-For-All horse like Vampiro.

The son of American Ideal is now set to progress to the $50,000 Navy Cup (2130m) at Gloucester Park on Friday night, with Aiden De Campo to replace the suspended Cortopassi as the driver.

Williams said the Navy Cup would be Magnificent Storm’s last start before a short break and a shot at Fremantle and WA Pacing Cups in January.

WATCH – Magnificent Storm’s win

To view all the results from Gloucester Park last Saturday night click here.

By Tim Walker for RWWA