Trainer Tim Fitzsimmons, now based in Bendigo, repatriated several of his horses from Singapore when racing concluded in the island nation nearly two years ago.
While these former Singaporean racehorses are nearing the end of their competitive careers, Fitzsimmons holds a particular fondness for Black Storm, who is slated to compete in the Ladbrokes Mega Multi Handicap (1500m) at Caulfield Heath on Saturday.
Black Storm secured two victories from his nine starts in Singapore and has since added an additional four wins since his relocation to Bendigo.
Furthermore, he has achieved second place in ten other races from 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 remarked.
“He never runs a bad race and he’s the best one, form wise, that I brought back.”
He continued, “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.”
Fitzsimmons believes Black Storm will be a strong contender in second-tier country cup races over a mile for the next six months, stating, “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, in his most recent run, led but was ultimately defeated by Run Harry Run in the Mildura Cup. Prior to that, he finished ninth over 1700m at Caulfield.
Fitzsimmons has chosen to utilize 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 added, “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.”
With Black Storm’s consistent form, he looks a strong chance to perform well at Caulfield Heath. Punters looking for value might consider checking out the Australian betting sites for the best odds.