Trainer Tim Fitzsimmons, now based in Bendigo, brought a number of his former Singaporean gallopers back to Australia when racing ceased in the island nation almost two years ago.
While those horses are gradually reaching the end of their racing careers, Fitzsimmons holds a particular affection for Black Storm, who is set to compete in the Ladbrokes Mega Multi Handicap (1500m) at Caulfield Heath this Saturday.
Black Storm recorded two wins from his nine starts in Singapore and has added another four victories since transferring to Bendigo.
He has also achieved ten runner-up finishes from his 24 starts.
“He’s been ultra-consistent and he’s probably been a bit stiff not to have one more of those Cup races,” Fitzsimmons commented.
“He never runs a bad race and he’s the best one, form wise, that I brought back.”
Fitzsimmons recalled, “He missed his whole four-year-old season up there because he had a foot problem. He was heading towards the Derby, and I had to pull the pin. He didn’t race for nearly a year, and I think that benefitted him as he might have won another three or four up there and he would have had a higher rating.”
The trainer believes the gelding is well-suited to upcoming races, stating, “He’s going to be that nice, second-tier country cups horse over a mile for the next six months as there’s plenty of races around, you just have to travel them.”
Black Storm’s most recent start saw him lead and then be run down by Run Harry Run in the Mildura Cup, following a ninth-place finish over 1700m at Caulfield in his preceding race.
Fitzsimmons has opted to utilize the 3kg apprentice claim for jockey Holly Durnan on Saturday.
“I think he’s right on his mark and that is why we’ve claimed this week to take some weight off his back,” Fitzsimmons explained. “I thought this race, being around the Heath, might really suit.”
He further noted, “He doesn’t have to lead. In Singapore we never led on him, but there doesn’t seem to be as much pace here. The 1700 (metres) was too far last time, but in saying that he drew 14 and had to work pretty hard to get across and he was still there at the 150 (metres). I would say the mile is just far enough and over the 1400 (metres), they’re a bit sharp and can keep up with him. So, the 1500 (metres) on the Heath, it might be perfect.”
With Black Storm’s consistent performances, he is expected to make his presence felt at Caulfield Heath. Those keen on the race can find comprehensive betting markets for the race at leading Australian betting sites.