IN 2024 Ken Burnett used the Robert Smith Memorial Maiden at The Gardens to launch the career of now-retired superstar sprinter Power And Glory.
Gerard Guthrie05 February 2026
IN 2024 Ken Burnett used the Robert Smith Memorial Maiden (515m) at The Gardens to launch the career of now-retired superstar sprinter Power And Glory.
Power And Glory didn’t win the Robert Smith Memorial, named in honour of the successful Hunter trainer who passed away in 2021, running second in his heat and third in the final.
However, Power And Glory went on to enjoy a stellar career.
FIELDS AND FORM THE GARDENS SATURDAY NIGHT
The son of Hooked On Scotch and Kwong Magic won 18 of his 36 starts, claiming the two biggest races in NSW in 2025, the Million Dollar Chase and Golden Easter Egg.
On Saturday night, Bringelly-based Burnett will kick-off another promising youngster in the Robert Smith Memorial.
Debutant Blue Storm, a beautifully bred son of Tommy Shelby and G1 winner Just Terms will exit box three in the first of four heats of the $20,000 to-the-winner series.
Blue Storm is a litter brother to the unbeaten Fleeing, winner of three from three for premier trainers Andy and Jodie Lord.
Burnett explained that Blue Storm fell into his lap through his friendship with the Lords.
“Andy has been a long-time friend of mine,” he said.
“I was down at Gunning at Andy’s place and he told me that he wanted to give me a dog because of the work I’ve done for the industry and that I’m always trying to help people.
“I told Andy I didn’t want a dog, because I already had enough coming through.
Power And Glory opened his career in the Robert Smith Memorial Maiden in 2024
“So when I said I didn’t want the dog, Andy gave it to my partner, Mandy (Brunton), even though I told Mandy not to take it!
“We brought him home and while it took a bit of work, he’s just kept getting better and better.
“I’m very lucky to have the dog. It’s really a bit of an accident that I got him.”
While Burnett didn’t want to divulge times, he confirmed that Blue Storm has trialled impressively over 520m at Wentworth Park and 515m at The Gardens in preparation for the feature maiden.
However, Burnett’s comment that Blue Storm compares favourably with Power And Glory at the same time in their careers might be all the information punters need about the unraced prospect.
“Power And Glory had a bit more under his belt going into this series,” Burnett said.
“This dog (Blue Storm) is going to find a lot more, but I tell you what, he isn’t far off where Power And Glory was.
“He’s a little bit slow early, that’s his problem, but his run home times are sensational. If he gets to the front, nothing will run him down.”
Burnett added that Power And Glory’s stud career is off to a promising start, with the rookie sire having served 18 bitches thus far, including a number of big sized litters.
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