The Esperance Cup has been in Citino’s sights for some time, but Stormageddon’s unexpected progression to staying races has been an exciting twist for trainer Michael Grantham.
Having been in work since August, Stormageddon’s breakthrough victory over 2000m at Pinjarra has solidified his credentials as a genuine Esperance Cup hopeful.
After a series of luckless staying runs, the four-year-old delivered in style, charging home under Clint Johnston-Porter’s hands-and-heels riding to claim his first win beyond 1400m.
Grantham confessed that Stormageddon’s transformation into a staying horse was far from what he initially expected.
“Honestly, I thought he was just a sprinter—1100m, maybe 1400m at best,” Grantham told Tabradio.
“He used to overdo things in his races and even at home.
“But the more he’s raced, the better he’s gotten. He’s been in work for 286 days.
“He spends the day in the paddock and comes in at night.
“He’s so settled now, I don’t even need to put a head collar on him—he just walks himself in when I open the gate.
“I never thought he’d stay, but he’s surprised me, and he’s clearly thriving.”
Meanwhile, Citino finished 10th in the same Pinjarra race, but Grantham remains optimistic about his Esperance Cup chances.
“I’ve had this race in mind for a long time,” Grantham said.
“He hasn’t quite clicked this preparation, but I’ve made some adjustments at home.
“I’m trying to get him a bit more switched on, and we’ll see how he responds.”
Clint Johnston-Porter retains the ride on Stormageddon but will have to navigate a wide barrier 17 draw, while his younger brother, Zephen Johnston-Porter, jumps from the inside gate aboard Citino.
Grantham’s stable enjoyed a fantastic run last week, picking up six winners, including Antique Miss’ Listed victory in the Detonator Stakes (1800m).
The Domesday mare, who also won the Group 3 La Trice Classic (1800m) in January, is set to take her next step in the Bunbury Cup (2000m).
However, the stable was dealt a setback as promising three-year-old Olympic Park suffered a pelvic injury in last Saturday’s Challenge Stakes (1500m), ruling him out indefinitely.
