Magnificent Storm prepares in perfect style for Nullabor challenge

Nine year old star Magnificent Storm (American Ideal) topped up his preparation for next week’s $1.25 million Nullabor with a stirring win in the Barbagello Motoring Excellence Governor’s Cup at Gloucester Park on Friday evening.

Despite drawing wide on the front row there was never much doubt that Magnificent Storm would find the lead and once there driver Aiden De Campo made sure he kept his mind on the job.

From the pole Franco Motu took the trail behind the leader while Nullabor contender Mighty Ronaldo was given the one out and one back trail.

De Campo raised the tempo running his last two quarters in 27.9 and 27.8 seconds. Mighty Ronaldo was let loose near the final bend to make his run but by the this stage Magnificent Storm had cleared away. He seemed to coast to the line just two metres ahead at the finish from the fast finishing Mighty Ronaldo who ran a great race for second with Franco Motu a further six metres away third.

MAGNIFICENT STORM 11 APR REPLAY

This time in Magnificent Storm has won all of his five starts to date including a win over his arch rival Minstrel in the Pinjarra Cup.

Aiden De Campo admitted after the race.

He probably wasn’t as sharp as he can be. But when he doesn’t have a horse outside of him in the back straight he tends to coast a little bit.

Once I got to the line, I flicked him again and he changed gears again. So I think he was a bit of a bludge on us but I was quite happy with him he ran a good last 1200 metres so all roads lead to next week.

He gets out like he’s tied to the gate really happy with him so hopefully we make it next week.

He’s always been a horse that goes better with racing. His wins leading up to tonight have all been soft and soft again tonight. So I think the racing is going to do him the world of good.

Magnificent Storm missed last years Nullabor and in 2023 he finished seventh to Betterzipit. This is probably his best opportunity to take out this feature as he has won just about every major feature in the West. But he will need to contend with his great rival Minstrel who is also looking for an initial Nullabor success after two consecutive runner ups in the coveted feature.

Connections of Mighty Ronaldo would have been well pleased as he rattled in fine style for second and he will be in tip top shape by his trainer Justin Prentice.

It proved to be a worthwhile evening for De Campo as Magnificent Storm was the third leg of a winning treble. Earlier in the evening his outstanding filly Wishing Belle (Bettors Wish) gave her rivals a hiding in the three year old and then last years WA Derby winner Runkle Crunch (Captain Crunch) looked equally impressive in the Bill Crabb Memorial for four year olds.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink