The best of Magnificent Storm is yet to come.
That’s the opinion of his owner Rob Tomlinson, as his star pacer was confirmed for Ladbrokes’ slot in the second edition of the TABtouch-Nullarbor (2536m) on April 19.
The reigning WA Pacing Cup champion ran in the same slot last year and finished an unlucky seventh.
Since last year’s Nullarbor, Magnificent Storm has won eight of his 13 starts, including his Pacing Cup triumph.
Tomlinson said he was excited at what was in store for the gelding this campaign.
“The horse looks magnificent,” Tomlinson told TABradio.
“I haven’t seen him better to be honest.
“We went to Queensland and he was good without being great.
“Since he’s come home, he’s had a nice break down at the farm and I think he needed it.
“I think he’s going to be cherry ripe this year.”
Magnificent Storm is set to launch his Nullarbor campaign on March 4 in the Pinjarra Cup (2692m) and is also set to contest the Retravision-Fremantle Cup (2536m) on April 26.
Tomlinson must now find a horse for his Regency Foods slot in the Nullarbor.
The prominent owner said he would likely look to the east coast to fill the slot, given some of his other horses like Star Casino and Cyclone Charlotte were unlikely to be ready for the challenge of taking on the $1.25 million feature.
“We’ve made contact with a few over east to see what they’re up to and see what they’re doing,” he said.
“It’s early days yet, but I don’t think we have anything here in WA that fits the bill.”
Magnificent Storm is a joint $5 Ladbrokes favourite for The Nullarbor, alongside New Zealand Cup winner Swayzee.