Magnificent Storm’s hopes of competing in Friday week’s Nullarbor are still alive, according to owner Rob Tomlinson.
The 2023 WA Pacing Cup champion’s hopes of lining up in the $1.25 million event appeared all but over on Friday when he was scratched from the Governors Cup (2130m).
Tomlinson said Magnificent Storm had responded well to treatment on his leg.
“We’ve been able to get the swelling out of his leg,” Tomlinson told Racing WA Harness.
“We’ve had him in the ice bath and is still in work.
“We are extremely hopeful he will be right to go.
“He’s not 100 per cent, but he is going in the right direction.”
Tomlinso said decision on whether the eight-year-old lines up in the event would be made by Saturday at the latest.
Tomlinson also indicated he would keep his options open if Magnificent Storm couldn’t fill the Regency Foods slot, including the option of leasing it.
Meanwhile, trainer Mike Reed and owner Jim Giumelli said a decision on who fills the Swandoo Harness Racing slot would be made after Friday’s Gloucester Park meeting.
While Water Lou was considered to be the frontrunner for the slot, the pair indicated Hoppys Way’s past two starts had given him the inside running to feature in the Nullarbor.
Tim Walker