Paradise Storm, the resultant purchase following the joining of OTI forces with Henry Dwyer, is set to make his Australian debut at Donald on Sunday in their time-honoured Cup over the mile.
A three-time winner from just 10 career starts, Paradise Storm has improved as he has gained race experience. His last start/win in France on June 23 over 2400m showed his talent. The horse he ran past late, Done Deal, is highly regarded, and the third horse, Shaini, is Listed placed. Off a slow tempo, he rounded them up late and won softly in the end. His turn of foot, so important for Australian racing, is a characteristic of his racing style.
Paradise Storm wins in June 2024 in France.
Paradise Storm is a son of Masked Marvel, a Group 1 Irish St Leger winner that raced in Australia for Lloyd Williams. Masked Marvel has made a decent fist of his stallion duties, particularly in the staying ranks. True Marvel, 2nd in a G1 Sydney Cup, is his best to date in Australia.
Paradise Storm heads to Donald with just the one trial under his belt, finishing strongly into a midfield position on the line at St Arnaud in October, beaten only a length or so. He has trained on beautifully for a debut Australian race, drawing barrier 9 in the field of 10. Neil Farley is booked to ride at 54kgs.
With an impressive race record, a turn of foot, a stayer’s pedigree and impeccable conformation, Paradise Storm is perfectly equipped to excel in Australia. Sunday’s Donald Cup shapes as a precursor to a long and successful career here.