Aiden De Campo looking to take Nullabor glory

Leading harness racing trainer driver Aiden De Campo faces one of his most challenging evenings at this Friday night’s feature racing at Gloucester Park when the national attention turns to the West.

De Campo has the drive on Magnificent Storm who along with Minstrel is expected to dominate proceedings in the $1.25 million Nullabor.

The event is special in that it will attract eastern states representatives namely Bulletproof Boy, Max Delight and Ubetcha Tigerpie.

De Campo is used to the pressure of big races and his drive on Magnificent Storm will be no exception. The eight year old is in sparkling form having won his only five starts this season.

But his clash with arch rival Minstrel will be eagerly anticipated.

Regarding Magnificent Storm De Campo is upbeat on his chances.

I’ll be looking for the lead, the three on the inside will be looking to take cover. He’s got such brilliant gate speed  and as he’s got older he’s got better and knows how to fly the gate. And I think this is ideal for the 2536 metre trip.  Minstrel is the better stayer of the two horses. In the Pacing cup we used a heap of petrol early and didn’t have so much at the end. So I think we can turn the tables. But you won’t find a tougher horse than Minstrel.

De Campo is pleased with his star four year old Runkle Crunch who’ll take his place in the Group 2 $100,000 Preux Chevalier Pace.

He’s come back way better. He was lucky to win the Derby as he wasn’t 100% and he got the right run. He’s back in with no problems. But Lazy Dais will be hard to beat from the pole .

Amalfi Night will be long priced in the APG three year colts and geldings Final but De Campo has an opinion of the son of Capt Midnight.

He was a late developer as a two year old and a bit erratic so he took a fair while to get to the races. He won three of four before his last start and has plenty of speed a little bit stamina, and he’s got a decent enough draw. He’s never led before.

De Campo’s star mare Copy Cat Queen is not highly fancied in the Group 2 $75,000 Empress Stakes for mares. However De Campo remains optimistic.

She’s ideally drawn on the second row and should get a run through. She’s ready to show if she’s in the first half of the field settling down.

De Campo is hoping the night ends on a big note with his outstanding filly Wishing Belle who’ll start a short priced favourite in the APG three year old fillies Final even drawing wide in event.

She came back little bit bigger than expected had 10 weeks off. She started off needing run first up. Then 2 starts back had one out and one back and copped a little check. In the future we’ll look at the WA Oaks and the Westbred series as her main longer term markets.

Whatever the circumstances it will sure be a memorable night for De Campo.

For complete race entries, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink