Magnificent Storm was unable to hold the back of Big Wheels in the early stages of the Mr Feelgood (2138m) and had to work hard to eventually find the front in a slick 35.2 lead time.

The gelding finished fifth 8.7m from eventual winner Swayzee.

Ray Williams said he wasn't panicking about the run and expected sharp improvement this week.

"The lead time was just too fast," Williams told The Trots WA.

"The horse in barrier one made it tough for us and we ended three back on the fence.

"When you look at it, he's only ended up a half-head from finishing fourth.

"He pulled up good from the run and I think he needed it."

Magnificent Storm will face another difficult task in this week's $200,000 event, with Leap To Fame the headline act in the field of 10.

Leap To Fame continued to press his claim to being the best pacer in the world with a dominant win in The Rising Sun on Saturday night.

Magnificent Storm will face reigning Inter Dominion winner I Cast No Shadow in the Group 1 event, as well as Nullarbor winner and runner-up Betterzippit and Spirit Of St Louis.

The son of American Ideal will start from barrier four, with Betterzippit, I Cast No Shadow and Leap To Fame drawn in barrier one, two and six respectively.

Williams said he expected Leap To Fame to be too classy but was looking forward to getting a reading on how Magnificent Storm measured up against a quality field.

"I probably would have preferred if they left Leap To Fame out," he said.

"At the same time a part of me is happy that he's in there because it will be a good to see how my bloke stacks up.

"I'd like to say I could beat Leap To Fame but he's a really impressive horse.

"This is a great learning experience for me and the horse.

"My gut feel is he will go better against the big boys this week."