Trainer Tim Fitzsimmons, who is now based in Bendigo, brought a number of his former Singaporean racehorses back to Australia when racing ceased in the island nation almost two years ago.
While those horses are gradually winding down their racing careers, Fitzsimmons has a soft spot for Black Storm, who is set to run in the Ladbrokes Mega Multi Handicap (1500m) at Caulfield Heath on Saturday.
Black Storm won two of his nine starts in Singapore and has since added another four wins after transferring to Bendigo.
He has also finished second in ten of 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 shared.
“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 horse is set for a good campaign, commenting, “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 led and was run down by Run Harry Run in the Mildura Cup at his most recent outing, having finished ninth over 1700m at Caulfield in his start prior.
Fitzsimmons has decided to use 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 also stated, “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.”
Considering Black Storm’s consistent form, he presents as a strong contender for this weekend’s Caulfield Heath race. For those looking to place a wager, exploring racing betting markets on your preferred online bookmakers is recommended.
