3 minute read

Boosted by the return of Clyde Leck in the saddle, AWESOME STORM bounced back to his very best form to score an easy win in the Supreme A event over 1200m at Sungei Besi here today.

The apprentice seems to have a excellent understanding of the champion sprinter, partnering him twice last year for a win and a second.

Since then, Awesome Storm  has performed consistently this year with a win back in February and was placed several times. In late May, he just failed to defend the Tunku Gold Cup which he won in run away fashion last year, going down second to outsider SAN ANDREAS.

"Awesome Storm has been plagued with wide draws of late," said trainer Simon Dunderdale. "Today, with the nice barrier (4), he was able to dictate in front. Good to see the combination of Clyde and Awesome Storm winning again."

Awesome Storm took command when he field settled down after the jump. Leck kept a tight hold on the gelding until after the 400m. That's when Awesome Storm began to kick away.

Kong Fu Panda  tried desperately to catch him in the run home but to no avail. The favourite Sincerely  got going very late to snatch third placing. Awesome Storm won by 2 1/4 lengths.

"Feeling blessed to be able to get back on this horse," said Clyde.

"There was not much I had to do in the race other than giving him a smooth jump to take the lead and maintain a steady pace. The horse did the rest. I happy with this win and hope to secure more rides on him in the future."

Awesome Storm has now won nine of 17 starts since taking Malaysia by storm by winning his first six starts in the country, including last year's Tunku Gold Cup (by 8 1/2 lengths margin).