The Esperance Cup has long been a target for Citino, but Stormageddon’s rise to the staying ranks has come as a welcome surprise for trainer Michael Grantham.

Despite a lengthy campaign that began in August, Stormageddon’s last-start victory over 2000m at Pinjarra proved he is a legitimate contender for the Esperance Cup.

After a run of unlucky performances in staying races, the four-year-old broke through in impressive fashion, surging home under hands-and-heels riding from Clint Johnston-Porter to secure his first win beyond 1400m.

Grantham admitted he never expected Stormageddon to develop into a middle-distance performer.

“To be honest, I thought he was just going to be a sprinter—1100m to 1400m at best,” Grantham told Tabradio.

“He used to over-race and do silly things, even at home.

“But the more he’s raced, the better he’s become. He’s been in work for 286 days.

“He spends his days in the paddock and comes in at night.

“He knows his routine so well, I don’t even need a head collar—he just walks himself in.

“I never thought he’d be a stayer, but he’s proven me wrong and is in great form.”

While Stormageddon showcased his staying ability at Pinjarra, stablemate Citino finished 10th in the same race.

The Demerit gelding has yet to rediscover his best form from last year, but Grantham believes the 2025 Esperance Cup could be his turning point.

“This race has been in the plans for a long time,” Grantham said.

“He hasn’t quite hit top gear, but I’ve made a few changes at home to freshen him up.

“I’m trying to get him a bit sharper, so we’ll see what happens.”

Clint Johnston-Porter will stay aboard Stormageddon, but he faces a tough assignment from barrier 17, including the emergency runners.

Meanwhile, his younger brother, Zephen Johnston-Porter, has drawn the inside gate on Citino.

Grantham’s stable has been in top form, securing six winners last week, including Antique Miss’ Listed victory in the Detonator Stakes (1800m).

The Domesday mare, already a dual stakes winner after claiming the Group 3 La Trice Classic (1800m) in January, is now set to contest the Bunbury Cup (2000m).

However, there was disappointment for Grantham as promising three-year-old Olympic Park suffered a pelvic injury in last Saturday’s Challenge Stakes (1500m), ruling him out of action for an extended period.