Adelphi Storm among local hopes at Westport

[Wandering Eyes]

By Mike Love 

Canterbury raiders look set to dominate the West Coast circuit, starting at Westport on Boxing Day, though there are are some locals that will be pinning their hopes on their runners to upset the party.

One horse that has trialled well and will be one to follow through the circuit and on into the New Year is debutant Adelphi Storm. 

The Tony O’Dea trained Sky Major three-year-old gelding draws well in Race 3, the Buy And Sell With Marchelle Pace over 2000m.

“First time on grass, first time to the races. You wouldn’t put your house on him,” said O’Dea.

“He looks good, he’s working good, he has a good driver (Tim Williams), but we will learn a lot after this race.” 

Adelphi Storm stepped out for John Morrison back in June, initially winning a workout impressively before qualifying third of three on a terrible slushy track – beaten by Irish Dream and Delta Kilo who have both broken maiden status.

“I sent him over to Johnny Morrisons just to sharpen him up because it can be pretty hard trying to work them with others because everyone has different timetables etc.”

Since then Adelphi Storm did workout recently at Methven on December 8, running fourth of 10 starters.

“He put a couple of roughies in turning for home there, so we’ve pulled his hopples up a couple of holes.” 

In the early markets Adelphi Storm was at $8.50 with Ideal Conqueror, a first starter for John Morrison the favourite, at $3.80, with Swimming Poole and Rakero Chase at $5.50 and Interrorgrator at $6.50. 

Other local runners on the day include;

Race 2 Rule Again – John Reedy ($7.50)

Race 3 Elegant Achiever – Philip Beveridge ($11.00)

Race 4 Francent – Robert Higgins ($14.00)

Race 5 Stanley’s Rule – John Reedy ($21.00)

Race 7 Reindeer Trouble – Trevor Walsh ($31.00)

Race 8 Destiny Dance – Robert Higgins ($61.00)

Racing commences from midday with the feature race the $25,000 Frank Dooley Memorial Westport Cup over 2600m due at 3:10pm, with the Bob Butt-trained and driven Xlendi a $2.80 favourite.

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