Advancing years are not wearying evergreen superstar Magnificent Storm, who was not extended in coasting to an easy victory in the $31,000 7News Past Presidents Cup over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
“He pulled up as good as gold,” enthused his trainer Ray Williams after Aiden De Campo had driven the $1.20 favourite to a two-length victory over the $9 second fancy Gee Heza Sport, with Swingband ($18) a length farther back in third place.
This gave eight-year-old Magnificent Storm, the oldest runner in the race, his 40TH victory from 66 starts and boosted his earnings to $1,206,317.
After a fast lead time of 35.5sec. Magnificent Storm took the lead from Swingband after 450m and then relaxed with a casual opening 400m section of 31sec. before quarters of 29.2sec. and 29sec. followed by blistering final section of 26.9sec. He rated a smart 1.54.5.
“He will have his next run in a fortnight before having a few weeks off,” said Williams. “And after that I’ll get him ready for the WA Pacing Cup on December 12.”
Gee Heza Sport raced at the rear for the first lap before Deni Roberts sent him forward to the breeze with 1200m to travel. He got close to Magnificent Storm approaching the home turn before the champion surged away in the straight.
“Even though Gee Heza Sport got close, I didn’t feel any threat,” said De Campo. “Magnificent Storm is going to have a lot of hard runs coming up, so it was good to be able to get away with as much as possible and then let him run home over the final 400m which is good for his confidence. It is also good for the horse, not knocking him around.
“I still think the best is ahead of him. He is more mature this time in and is running to the line a lot better.”
Former champion juvenile Never Ending ($14) caught the eye at his first appearance for nine months when he began from the outside barrier (No. 9) on the front line and ran home strongly from eighth at the bell to finish fifth.
“He went really good,” said his trainer Justin Prentice. “And he will probably have his next start in a fortnight, depending on how he pulls up after tonight’s run.”
Williams completed a training double later in the program when Star Casino, the $3.20 favourite and lone backmarker off 20 metres, scored a fighting win in the Home And Away Handicap over 2503m.
Grevis, the $3.30 second fancy from the front line, set the pace and after 600m Chivalry ($4.60) went forward with a three-wide burst. This was followed by Star Casino, who got to the breeze with more than two laps to travel. Star Casino revealed excellent fighting qualities to wear down Grevis in the home straight to win by 2m.
“Getting to the breeze early probably suited us better than racing at the rear which would have turned the race into a sprint home,” said Star Casino’s driver Aldo Cortopassi. “Star Casino is a safe beginner, and he knows where the (finish) line is, and he found it tonight.”
