Trainer Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have decided to keep Storm Season in Melbourne for her upcoming race.

Although initially nominated for the Petaluma Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday, the stable opted to race the mare in the Sportsbet Race Replays Handicap (1400m) at Sandown instead.

This lightly raced daughter of Toronado has not competed since early December, when she secured a victory over 1500m at Caulfield Heath. This win followed her successful debut at Kembla Grange.

Kent Jnr mentioned that Storm Season sustained a minor injury after her brief summer campaign but has since trialled well in preparation for her return.

The co-trainer acknowledged that the heavy track conditions expected at Sandown present an uncertainty for the mare, who previously performed well on soft ground at Morphettville in May of last year.

“She won both her starts last time in and then she pulled up with an injury after her Caulfield victory, so we gave her some time out,” Kent Jnr said.

“She’s come up really well and typically goes well fresh. She’s trialled well twice, she’s drawn to get the right run, off the speed and off the fence.”

“The big unknown is it will be her first go on heavy ground and the race club is predicting anywhere from four to 15 mils of rain on race day.

“So, come the last (race), hopefully we avoid it. If they do get 15 mils of rain, that track might be pretty dire on Saturday, which could dent the confidence quite a bit, but if we miss a lot of it, then I think she’s a nice chance.

“Yes, she will improve for absolute race fitness, but she is a big mare that will enjoy that big track at Sandown.”

Jockey Logan Bates will ride Storm Season for the initial time, and his claim will reduce the mare’s weight to 57.5kg.

Those keen to back Storm Season can explore the latest racing odds at leading Australian betting sites.