Magnier up early to take in Storm

Coolmore Australia supremo Tom Magnier, mastermind of the world record $60m purchase of Storm Boy, won’t be trackside to watch the juvenile sensation in the Group 2 $300,000 Skyline Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Magnier left for Ireland earlier this week to attend a family wedding but given Coolmore’s massive investment in the unbeaten Storm Boy, he will be awake in the early hours to watch the Sydney race.

“We will certainly be up for Storm Boy, there is no way we will miss the race,’’ he said.

Storm Boy puts it all on the line in the Skyline – his extraordinary price tag, unbeaten race record and Golden Slipper favouritism. The wonder colt is racing for the first time since Coolmore acquired the controlling interest in the colt soon after his win in the Magic Millions in January.

But the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Storm Boy will still race in the colours of Cunningham Thoroughbreds, the managing part-owners of the colt’s original syndicate.

Storm Boy goes to Randwick after three brilliant wins from as many starts and is at prohibitive odds of $1.30 with TAB Fixed Odds to win the Skyline.

Waterhouse is setting Storm Boy the identical program she gave Dance Hero 20 years ago when that youngster followed his Magic Millions win by racing away with the Skyline Stakes before completing the coveted Sydney juvenile triple crown with wins in the Golden Slipper, ATC Sires Produce Stakes and Champagne Stakes.

“Gai and Adrian seem very happy with Storm Boy,’’ Magnier said.