Nine year old gelding Magnificent Storm (American Ideal) made light work of his harness racing rivals first up with an emphatic win in the Village Kid Free For All at Gloucester Park on Friday evening.

Resuming after his gallant runner up to Minstrel in the West Australian Pacing Cup in December, Magnificent Storm drew perfectly in barrier 3 and on despatch, he pinged straight to the front.

Driver Aiden De Campo ran along evenly having Otis on his outside and Hotly Pursued right in behind the leader. Better Eclipse from his second row draw angled up to be three behind the leader on the rails.

Relishing the short 1730 metre journey Magnificent Storm let go with his final two quarters in 27.7 and 27.1 seconds and gave clear space to his rivals. It was left to Hotly Pursued and Otis to fill in the minor placings while Better Eclipse after being held up finished on fairly for fourth.

MAGNIFICENT STORM 13 FEB REPLAY

Aiden De Campo was fulsome in his praise of Magnificent Storm.

It’s probably the sharpest he’s felt first up for a long time. He warmed up hard on the bridle normally he’s having a look around seeing what’s going on first up. But tonight Ray (Williams trainer) had him spot on he was sharp on the bridle. Ray said he will need the run a little bit. We’ll give him as easy time we can. He still ran 1.53 and done it running to the line sharp as. He hasn’t missed a trick.

Magnificent Storm is working up to an invitation for the Group 1 $1.25 million Nullabor at Gloucester Park on 17 April. He’ll run into his evergreen rival Minstrel who outstayed him in the WA Cup.

But Magnificent Storm who looks a treat by his trainer Ray Williams has shown he’s lost none of his dash and he is sure to make his presence felt in similar top class company especially if he’s able to lead.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink