Black Storm Sweeps Sandown
Wednesday, 09 Jul 2025
Black Storm delivered a well-deserved metropolitan win at Sandown on Wednesday, showcasing toughness, fitness, and a perfect ride by apprentice jockey Jaylah Kennedy in the $50,000 Benchmark 70 Fast Form Handicap (1600m).
It was a performance that had plenty working against it — the gelding had drawn barrier 17 for the second week in a row — but connections were confident after a sharp jump-out and made the call to roll the dice.
“He drew barrier 17 last week and then drew 17 again today, and I almost scratched him,” said trainer Tim Fitzsimmons. “But he trialled so well during the week, we just had to give him his chance.”
Kennedy executed the plan to perfection. From the wide gate, she pushed forward and took up a controlling position in transit, before stacking the field up mid-race and kicking clear at the top of the straight. Black Storm did the rest — digging deep to fend off challengers and score by just over a length.
“The plan was to be really positive from the wide gate,” Fitzsimmons said.
“Jaylah rode him really well. She stacked them up around the back and he’s a really fit horse, so he gave it a good kick. The blinkers seem to have switched him on and made him more genuine.”
The victory marks a turning point for the son of Caravaggio, who returned from Singapore earlier this year after battling with a persistent foot issue that had stalled his progress abroad.
“He had a foot issue for 12 months in Singapore, so he didn’t race much,” Fitzsimmons explained.
“I had hoped he’d be one of the more progressive horses we brought back, and he’s proven to be. He needed this win for confidence — he’s just very genuine and tough.”
It was also a special win for Singapore-based owner Peter Lee, one of Fitzsimmons’ strongest supporters during his highly successful tenure overseas.
“It was great to get a result with Peter Lee of the Buffalo Stable. He was my biggest owner in Singapore — he won Champion Owner while I was there. So it’s always great to train a winner for him.”
For Kennedy, the win was her second in Fitzsimmons colours and another reminder of her growing talent in the saddle.
“This poor bloke can’t draw a barrier,” she said post-race.
“Tim was happy for me to take a sit if there was speed, but he jumped well, and his action going to the gates was great — my god, he’s a lovely going horse.
It was very effortless. I was confident in the straight. He’s very tough. He doesn’t know how to lay down — it was a good win.”
With Wednesday's win, Black Storm improves his career record to 14: 4-7-1, but his Australian record of 5 starts for two wins and three seconds is even most impressive.
Fitzsimmons Racing continues to build strong momentum in Victoria, and Black Storm’s metropolitan breakthrough adds another chapter to what’s been an exciting start for the team since returning from Singapore.
It was a performance that had plenty working against it — the gelding had drawn barrier 17 for the second week in a row — but connections were confident after a sharp jump-out and made the call to roll the dice.
“He drew barrier 17 last week and then drew 17 again today, and I almost scratched him,” said trainer Tim Fitzsimmons. “But he trialled so well during the week, we just had to give him his chance.”
Kennedy executed the plan to perfection. From the wide gate, she pushed forward and took up a controlling position in transit, before stacking the field up mid-race and kicking clear at the top of the straight. Black Storm did the rest — digging deep to fend off challengers and score by just over a length.
“The plan was to be really positive from the wide gate,” Fitzsimmons said.
“Jaylah rode him really well. She stacked them up around the back and he’s a really fit horse, so he gave it a good kick. The blinkers seem to have switched him on and made him more genuine.”
The victory marks a turning point for the son of Caravaggio, who returned from Singapore earlier this year after battling with a persistent foot issue that had stalled his progress abroad.
“He had a foot issue for 12 months in Singapore, so he didn’t race much,” Fitzsimmons explained.
“I had hoped he’d be one of the more progressive horses we brought back, and he’s proven to be. He needed this win for confidence — he’s just very genuine and tough.”
It was also a special win for Singapore-based owner Peter Lee, one of Fitzsimmons’ strongest supporters during his highly successful tenure overseas.
“It was great to get a result with Peter Lee of the Buffalo Stable. He was my biggest owner in Singapore — he won Champion Owner while I was there. So it’s always great to train a winner for him.”
For Kennedy, the win was her second in Fitzsimmons colours and another reminder of her growing talent in the saddle.
“This poor bloke can’t draw a barrier,” she said post-race.
“Tim was happy for me to take a sit if there was speed, but he jumped well, and his action going to the gates was great — my god, he’s a lovely going horse.
It was very effortless. I was confident in the straight. He’s very tough. He doesn’t know how to lay down — it was a good win.”
With Wednesday's win, Black Storm improves his career record to 14: 4-7-1, but his Australian record of 5 starts for two wins and three seconds is even most impressive.
Fitzsimmons Racing continues to build strong momentum in Victoria, and Black Storm’s metropolitan breakthrough adds another chapter to what’s been an exciting start for the team since returning from Singapore.