Trainer Robbie Griffiths is crossing his fingers for a late scratching to allow promising galloper Autumn Storm into the field at Sandown on Wednesday.

The son of The Autumn Sun sits as third emergency for the Stow Storage Solutions Handicap (1400m), needing one more withdrawal to secure a start.

“We’ve really got to kick him off,” Griffiths told RSN.
“We’ve got our eye on an 1800-metre race in a couple of weeks then into a 2000-metre event at Flemington.”

Autumn Storm, to be ridden by Jye McNeil, posted a peak Racing and Sports rating of 94 when finishing second to Son Of Solly at Moonee Valley in December.

Despite a wide draw—originally 18, now 16 after two scratchings—Griffiths is eager to get his campaign underway.

“He’s more likely to be a horse that will run on and you follow third-up at Flemington,” he said.

Stablemate Divino Cavallo will also line up in the MRC Membership Feel The Thrill Handicap (1300m) after a strong win at Seymour on June 10.

“With the track being affected tomorrow, it gives me a bit more confidence that she mat handle it,” Griffiths said.

The Sandown Lakeside track was rated a Soft 6 on Tuesday, with rain forecast leading into race day.

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