David Aldridge knows better than most the difficulty of placing a talented horse, and he says Chicago Storm is quickly becoming one of the trickiest in his Murray Bridge stable to manage.
Chicago Storm heads to Morphettville on Saturday for the Listed Christmas Handicap (1200m), chasing a second Stakes victory after a strong and consistent preparation.
Aldridge believes the gelding has thrived since being restricted to sprint distances, a shift largely forced by the programming available in South Australia.
The gelding’s standout performance remains his Listed City Of Adelaide Handicap (1527m) win, together with a Group 3 placing over the mile.
“He’s come back in really good form this prep,” Aldridge said.
“He should have won last start, and we should really be three out of four for this prep.”
Chicago Storm carries 59.5kg as topweight and Aldridge says his rising benchmark has left few placement options.
“His rating now virtually means we can only run him at Carnival times, in Listed races and that type of thing,” he said.
A freshen-up looks likely after Saturday with the Listed City Of Marion Stakes looming as a logical next target.
Aldridge also floated a possible campaign geared around the Adelaide Carnival, with a distant eye toward The Goodwood should Chicago Storm continue to excel at sprint trips.
Distance limitations are another consideration.
“He’s won over a mile, but he probably doesn’t get the mile, the last 50 metres tests him,” Aldridge said.
Travelling interstate remains the biggest hurdle.
“He’s not the best traveller… it’s easier to zip him down to Morphettville,” the trainer said.