Attempting to maintain perfect Aussie record

WELL-TRAVELLED trotter Storm Cloud faces a tough task in his bid to maintain his perfect Australian record when he heads Kilmore tomorrow night.

Although he is Vicbred the gelding has only had one start in his state-of-origin for a win in Cranbourne a fortnight ago.

Storm Cloud’s previous outing netted a victory in Pinjarra on January 27.

Before that the son of Majestic Son had five starts in New Zealand for a win and two placings.

“He was bought in the Melbourne Sale and was sent to New Zealand where he only had a few starts and broke down,” trainer Brent Lilley explained.

“He was then sent to Perth for his owners to train and they nursed back to health and gave him a start for a win.

“Given there is not a big pool for horses in Perth he was going to be racing against open class pretty quickly, so they sent him here.

“He arrived in great order and trotting great, so I’m not even sure what his problem was, but now it all looks behind him.”

To be driven by Chris Alford, Storm Cloud has drawn barrier five, but slots into four with the removal of the emergency.

Betting markets have the five-year-old a $3 joint favourite with Is That A Bid, which will begin from gate six.

Last season’s top filly Royal Charlotte is on the second line of betting at $3.50 from her back row draw.

“This is a bit of a step up but I’m sure he will acquit himself well,” Lilley said. “Is That A Bid and Royal Charlotte are the pair to beat so we’ll just have to see how the race is run.

“He is still very lightly-raced, and if everything goes to plan, he should have a good time of it here.”