Storming The Tower (NZ) Claims Rotorua Cup

Storming The Tower (NZ) (Storm Creek), who cost just $4,200 at Karaka, took his earnings to the brink of $200,000 when he won Saturday’s $75,000 Group 3 Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup (2200m).

Ridden by Vinnie Colgan for trainer and part-owner John Bell, the seven-year-old prevailed by a long neck after a desperate three-horse war down the Rotorua straight. Gentil Tonton (Yeats) was second with the brave topweight Authentic Paddy (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit) third.

The big win capped a spectacular career resurgence this autumn for Storming The Tower, who has recorded two wins and two seconds in his last four starts. He broke a two-year win drought with his Bay Of Plenty Cup win in March.

“He’s run a lot of good thirds and fourths in big races in his career,” Bell said. “This is a deserved win.”

Storming The Tower is out of the O’Reilly mare Midnight Dip (NZ), a half-sister to Oaks placegetter Midnight Kiss (NZ) (Groom Dancer) who is the dam of Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby winner Midnight Interlude (War Chant).

Bred by Stoney Bridge Thoroughbred Ltd, Storming The Tower is raced by Benedict Sin and John Bell. He has now had 47 starts for six wins, nine seconds, eight thirds and $199,875 in prize-money.