Another star opts out of Inter Dominion

By Adam Hamilton

Next month’s Inter Dominion has lost another major player.

We already know NZ’s best pacer Self Assured and recent Victoria Cup hero Rock N Roll Doo won’t be there and now WA’s pacing star Magnificent Storm has been ruled out.

The decision comes after a near career-best win when Magnificent Storm sat outside and crushed noted leader Jumpingjackmac in the free-for-all at Gloucester Park last Friday night.

Trainer Ray Williams and managing owner Robbie Tomlinson had been weighing-up an Inter Dominion raid for several months.

“Sorry to say, but he won’t be going,” Tomlinson said. “We’re sure he’s good enough, but there’s a lot to consider.

“In the end, we can’t be absolutely sure of getting a suitable flight home (to Perth) after the series and that’s not a risk we’re willing to take with so many big races over here.”

Williams said increases so stake money to some WA races and the lure of $700,000 across the Fremantle and WA Pacing Cups was the “clincher”.

“The (Inter Dominion) prize money isn’t huge. It’s four runs in a fortnight and we have so much to aim at over here,” he said.

“I’d love to have a crack at an Inter Dominion, especially at my age, but this isn’t the right time.

“We will travel him, we really want to, but he’s got the measure of horses here at the moment and there are some great races for him if we just stay at home.”

The Kiwi-bred Magnificent Storm, who boasts 25 wins from just 33 starts, will go to the $50,000 Navy Cup on Friday week and the $100,000 James Brennan Memorial two weeks after that.

“Then we really focus on the Fremantle and WA Cups,” Williams said.

“He wasn’t quite right when he ran in them last year. He had some hoof issues, but this is the best we’ve ever had him.”

Williams said a Sydney trip in February was looming large.

“That’s when we are looking at travelling. Go over for the Miracle Mile, so head to Sydney in mid-February if he’s where we want him to be,” he said.