Top colt warms up for Derby

The Lost Storm (Captaintreacherous) might not be kicking off his 2023 harness racing campaign in Queensland, but the star three-year-old is set to head north later this month.

And there’s a possibility Emma Stewart’s untapped youngster might be part of a planned exhibition trial involving fellow TAB Eureka starters Captain Ravishing and Catch A Wave.

Owner-breeder Justin Baker told thetrots.com.au that travel concerns had been behind the decision to bypass Saturday night’s The Rising Sun at Albion Park and instead race first-up at Bendigo this weekend.

Baker said the stable wasn’t looking to dodge emerging champion Leap To Fame, who is a $1.30 favourite for the Queensland feature.

“We are certainly not running from a fight (with Leap To Fame) by any stretch. We were dead keen to go and we accepted the invite from Racing Queensland, it’s just the itinerary and flight situation which was a disaster,” Baker said.

“We’re going to hit Leap To Fame anyway and there would have been a lot in our favour with the preferential barrier draw, short trip and what not.

“But the horse comes first, and given the plans weren’t ideal and our goal is obviously the Eureka, you’re not going to muck around with that for just one run. And I don’t want to undervalue The Rising Sun at all, but the horse comes first and the Eureka is the main aim.”

The Lost Storm, who won his last start in the Vicbred Super Series Final for two-year-old colts and geldings by almost 40m on December 31, has drawn the outside gate of seven for this Saturday night’s Garrards Horse and Hound 3YO Pace at Lord’s Raceway.

He will take on a quality field of rivals including Chivalry, stablemate Major Celebrity, Blake Bolac and Louie Lou I, but is expected to open a short-priced favourite for the event.

Baker said The Lost Storm would then head north for the Queensland Derby, which is a Group 1 worth $150,000 run at Albion Park on July 22.

“We’re definitely up for the Derby, but we thought the Bendigo race mapped in pretty nicely,” he said.

“It’ll probably be just the one hit-and-run mission to Queensland, and then it’ll be over to Emma and (partner) Clayton (Tonkin) as to how they plan to get ready for the Eureka.

“And I think the strong intention is not to have a run at Menangle first. He might have a couple in Victoria, but certainly nothing at Menangle.”

Talks are well and truly underway between TAB Eureka slot holder Danny Zavitsanos and connections of star pacers Captain Ravishing and Catch A Wave in regards to an exhibition trial at Geelong on Friday, August 4.

While nothing is set in stone, the conversations are progressing well and there’s an element of confidence that the clash will go ahead.

Baker said there was the potential his horse could be involved.

“We’d always be keen to support Danny and (wife) Jo because they know I’m a big supporter of theirs, but ultimately the decision would sit with Emma and Clayton,” he said.

“We’d certainly look at it.”

Saturday night’s Bendigo meeting is highlighted by The Lost Storm’s first-up run as well as the J and A Mazzetti Painting Koala King Free For All.

For complete race fields, click here.

by Tim O’Connor, for Harness Racing Victoria