Watson plans to Storm Away with the Magic Millions WA Classic
Storm Away delivered a strong first-up performance on debut at Ascot last Saturday.
Trained by Mitchell Pateman, the gelding finished second but left a lasting impression despite the narrow defeat.
After breaking slowly and racing wide, he surged to the front but was edged out by Monte Tremezzo by a long head.
A $65,000 yearling and a son of Lucky Vega, Storm Away has shown promise but still has room for growth.
With just one 600m trial win before his debut, the excitement surrounding him appears justified.
Top jockey Holly Watson is enthusiastic about her partnership with the young prospect in Saturday’s Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) at Pinjarra.
Despite limited race experience, Watson has seen enough behind the scenes to be fully convinced of his potential.
Heading into a $250,000 feature event on short notice, she is confident Storm Away can improve on his debut run.
“It was a huge run,” Watson told Tabradio.
“Obviously he stepped a bit slow and got quite fierce on me.
“The race was run awkwardly as well and he did a bit of work to pull me to the front.
“I thought it was a huge run and he got a little bit lost out in front.
“I think there will be huge improvement.
“He’s such a cruisy horse and has done really well.”
Storm Away is one of 14 runners in the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic and has drawn favorably in barrier four.
After opening at $10, he has firmed to $9 with swiftbet.
Current betting favorites include Strideaway at $3.10, Do I Feel Lucky at $5.50, and Da General’s Son at $6.50, according to betting markets.
Watson, who has been in exceptional form recently, believes Storm Away has a great chance to claim victory in just his second start.
“He’s drawn a barrier and we can sit him behind something,” Watson said.
“We can get him to settle straight away.
“I think he’s a huge chance in the race.”
Watson will also ride Come On Emma in the Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (1200m), one of four entries from trainer Simon Miller.
Come On Emma, currently priced at $31, is the least favored among Miller’s contenders but secured a last-start victory under Brad Parnham.
“It’s a step up in grade, but Simon (Miller) doesn’t put them in these races for no reason,” Watson said.
“I’m excited to ride her and it’s good to see she’s drawn a barrier (5).”
Miller’s stable also includes Shmoov Mover, the $2.75 favorite, Golden Vale at $7, and Horcrux at $12, as listed by online betting apps.
Notably, Miller claimed victory in this race back in 2012 with Night War.
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