The Black Cloud out to break winning drought at Randwick races

Trainer Joe Pride is hoping that delaying The Black Cloud’s return by a week will pay off when she lines up at Randwick on Saturday to cap off her four-year-old season.

The mare missed the Schweppes Sprint (1100m) last week after drawing a poor gate but now has a much more favourable barrier in the ATC Thank You Trainers Handicap (1100m).

After two narrow second-place finishes this prep, Pride is optimistic about her chances to return to winning form.

“She has been going well without winning and that has been a bit frustrating,” Pride said.

“I want to make the next one count for her so I thought this race should be softer.”

The Black Cloud showed great potential early in her career but hasn’t saluted since June last year. Still, her consistent efforts, including a narrow Caulfield defeat last time, suggest she’s close.

Pride remains confident in her talent and says she’s taken everything in stride so far this prep.

“She probably hasn’t quite gone on with it to be fair,” he said.

“She won down at Flemington in the winter of last year, Jay (Ford) got off her and said she was a stakes horse every day of the week.

“He was riding In Flight at the time and he was convinced The Black Cloud was better but that’s probably not the case anymore.”

In Flight, meanwhile, has risen through the ranks and claimed recent stakes victories, underlining the strength of that form.

Storm The Ramparts also lines up for Pride, looking to build on a strong second in last week's Schweppes Sprint.

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