Magnificent Storm romps away to win the Navy Cup for Aiden De Campo
The anticipation for the WA Pacing Cup is at an all-time high as three top horses prepare to clash in this prestigious harness race on November 28, 2023. The event promises to deliver an exhilarating showdown, with the spotlight on the formidable trio: Minstrel, Magnificent Storm, and Mister Smartee.
Leading the charge is Minstrel, who recently showcased his strength by overcoming a challenging journey to claim victory in the Stratton Cup two weeks ago. He has drawn barrier two, positioning him as a strong favorite at odds of $2.15. In the Stratton Cup, Minstrel demonstrated his resilience by staying competitive even after being parked outside Magnificent Storm, ultimately prevailing in the final stages of the race. His performance solidified his status as a champion, as he enters this race in top form, comparable to his winning run in last year’s cup.
Yet, even the best competitors have vulnerabilities. One notable concern for Minstrel is his gate speed, which was exposed when he was overtaken by Magnificent Storm, who sprinted from an outside draw to seize an early lead. While Minstrel managed to overcome that challenge in his last race, Magnificent Storm is expected to put up a fierce fight. Under the guidance of veteran trainer Ray Williams, the eight-year-old gelding secured a commanding victory in the recent Navy Cup, finishing nearly 20 meters ahead of the competition. With similar barriers for both contenders, it is likely that Magnificent Storm will again aim for the lead, forcing Minstrel to rely on his considerable strength to keep pace.
The race is not solely a contest between these two titans. Several other competitors, although less favored, could impact the outcome. Notably, Captain Ravishing ($61) possesses early speed and could disrupt the front-running plans of Magnificent Storm by pushing forward at the start. If he manages to secure an early lead, it could force Magnificent Storm to exert more effort than anticipated, potentially creating opportunities for the others.
Among the potential underdogs, Mister Smartee stands out at odds of $5. Although he finished second to Minstrel in last year’s cup, he has since developed significantly, claiming victories in both the Nullarbor and Fremantle Cup earlier this year. After a brief spell, he has resumed racing, with two wins in his last seven starts. However, he faces a considerable challenge from gate 12, the same position he occupied when finishing second to Minstrel in the Stratton Cup.
Speculation about possible upsets includes Better Eclipse ($15), a horse trained by Mister Smartee’s driver, Gary Hall Jr.. After a slow start in Western Australia, Better Eclipse showed marked improvement in the Navy Cup, setting the stage for a competitive outing in the Pacing Cup. He will be driven by Hall’s partner, Maddison Brown, who has faced her share of challenges this year, including being sidelined due to concussion protocols. A victory for Better Eclipse would be especially sweet for Brown, who has yet to claim a major win in the state.
As the Pacing Cup unfolds, the race promises not just a contest of speed but also a test of strategy among trainers and drivers. Other contenders such as Never Ending ($17) and Mighty Ronaldo ($20), trained by Justin Prentice, along with Minstrel’s stablemates Golden Lode ($21) and Gee Heza Sport ($26), will also be looking to make their mark.
The excitement around the WA Pacing Cup is matched by the upcoming $1.5 million Gold Rush set for Saturday at Ascot. The Group 3 race features Cosmic Crusader as the favorite after his recent success in the Northerly Stakes. This race will test the competitors’ endurance as it follows closely behind his last outing.
With a blend of experience and emerging talent, the Pacing Cup and Gold Rush promise thrilling spectacles for harness racing fans. Each horse and driver combination will bring their unique strengths to the fore, ensuring an action-packed evening at Ascot. The spotlight will be firmly on the track as these elite competitors vie for glory and the coveted title of champion.
