By Adam Hamilton
Gifted former Kiwi pacer Magnificent Storm took his first step towards an Inter Dominion assault with a first-up win at Gloucester Park last night.
The victory kick-started a memorable night for trainer Ray Williams, who also won the main race, the Group 3 Im Themightyquinn, with another former Kiwi gelding, Ezana.
“I’d love to keep this strike rate up,” Williams said.
It was Magnificent Storm’s first run since finishing fourth in the Group 1 WA Pacing Cup back on February 4.
He has now won 20 of his 27 starts and is closing-in on $400,000 in earnings.
“It surprised me a bit, I thought he was vulnerable and underdone tonight,” Williams admitted.
“He’s just such a lazy horse. It’s hard to get him fit at home and the trials are useless with only three or four in them.
“Aiden (De Campo) drove him in the trial and told me it was a waste of time trialling him again, just get some racing into him.
“I knew he wouldn’t lead and thought he’d have to do some chasing, so I’d have been happy with second or third given where he’s at.
“The great thing is how much improvement there is to come.”
Williams and managing owner Robbie Tomlinson said the Victorian Inter Dominion November/December was the goal.
“Yes, we’re serious about it. We’ve talked through it,” Tomlinson said. “If he goes we’d probably take To Fast To Serious as a travel companion. We think he’d be suited by the bigger track and style of racing over there.
“The plan is to give him four or five runs this campaign and then make the final decision.
“But tonight is a great start. As Ray said, we just know he’s got heaps of improvement to come.”
Magnificent Storm eased out of the gate by driver Aiden De Campo, who replaced the injured Aldo Cortopassi, to settle three pegs in the small field and then came to the “death” for the last 1000m.
“The margin wasn’t great, but he did it easily. He had the leader (While They Pray) beaten before the home turn and he just sort of waits for them, he only does as much as he has to.
“He felt terrific. He’s got so much speed and I’m sure the race will bring him on a lot.”
Young gun driver Emily Suvaljko drove Ezana to sustain a big run around the field and win.
“He’s a lovely horse. That was a big win,” she said.
Williams added: “We really like this horse. Nothing went right when he led on a really wet track and got attacked in front last week. It was great to see him bounce back tonight.”
