Trainer Robbie Griffiths is keeping fingers crossed that his talented stayer Autumn Storm can sneak into Wednesday’s Stow Storage Solutions Handicap (1400m) at Sandown, needing just one more scratching to make the final field.

The lightly raced gelding, a son of The Autumn Sun, is third emergency for the event and has drawn barrier 16 following two early withdrawals. Griffiths is keen to give the horse his first run this campaign as part of a plan to build toward races over 1800m and 2000m later this winter.

“We really need to get him going to follow our schedule,” Griffiths told RSN. “He missed Bendigo because of the barrier and conditions, but we’ve landed in another tough gate again.”

Autumn Storm last raced in December when finishing second behind Son Of Solly at Moonee Valley, recording a Racing and Sports peak rating of 94. Griffiths remains optimistic about his progress.

“He’s come back in super order. He’s one we’ll watch improve with racing, and we think Flemington third-up over 2000m will be ideal,” he said.

Stablemate Divino Cavallo also takes her place on Wednesday in the MRC Membership Feel The Thrill Handicap (1300m) after breaking her maiden at Seymour earlier this month on a soft surface.

“She handled the sting out of the ground better than expected,” Griffiths said. “If the track stays soft, it enhances her chances again.”

Weather forecasts suggest the Sandown Lakeside track will remain in the soft range, with light rainfall predicted prior to raceday.

Punters can explore betting markets for the Stow Storage Solutions Handicap and MRC Membership Feel The Thrill Handicap at trusted platforms listed on justhorseracing.com.au.