Fitzsimmons pulls off successful interstate raid

FRESH from his Corowa Cup win earlier this month with Blazing Sword, Bendigo trainer Tim Fitzsimmons has landed further success across the border with Black Storm.

The ultra-consistent six-year-old won for the fourth time on Australian turf since the stable’s move from Singapore to Bendigo by taking out the $50,000 Albury Mile on day one of the Albury Cup Carnival last Thursday.

Carrying 62.5 kilograms, Black Storm was quickly taken to the front from his inside barrier by Michael Rodd and was never headed on his way to a .87 length win over a gallant Belleistic Kids, with Fox Appeal third 1.5 lengths from the winner.

It gave the gelding two wins from five starts this preparation.

His first-up win in the Tatura Cup (1450m) in November delivered Fitzsimmons his first Australian country cup success.

He added his second at Corowa three weeks ago.

Black Storm has emerged as Fitzsimmons’ best performed horse since establishing himself in Bendigo in late 2024.

The gelded son of US bred, but former Irish trained sire Caravaggio has won four of 11 Australian starts, highlighted by metropolitan success at Sandown last July and been placed second on four occasions, including at Caulfield three starts ago.

His Albury win boosted his career record to six wins and nine minor placings from 20 starts for earnings of $309,830.

A successful trip to Albury for Fitzsimmons included a second with Greatham Boy on the Thursday and a third in the $200,000 Albury Gold Cup (2000m) with Blazing Sword.

A model of consistency since joining the Fitzsimmons stable from Annabel and Rob Archibald, Blazing Sword has won five of 12 starts and been placed three times.

Four of his wins have been on New South Wales tracks, including three at Albury.

Meanwhile, Fitzsimmons’ stable star Onesmoothopereator has been nominated for the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 11.

Last year’s Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup (2500m) winner and the previous year’s Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) winner launched his autumn preparation in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington last month in what was his first run for Fitzsimmons since the eight-year-old’s transfer from English trainer Brian Ellison.