3 minute read
Russell Stewart is excited about the future prospects of Earthstorm, but is uncertain if that translates to a winning debut today at Ascot.
After a super impressive barrier trial, Earthstorm makes her race day debut in the Andrich Cousins Raceday Plate (1000m).
Russell Stewart is eager to unveil his latest prospect who made a big impression in a Belmont trial last month when she showed above average ability.
Once jockey Steven Parnham eased her into the clear in the straight, the talented two-year-old responded and let down powerfully like a good horse.
Stewart is a big fan of Earthstorm, a $60,000 Perth Magic Millions yearling, but fears a wide barrier and race experience could stymie her chances first up.
"The race smarts may cost me, if anything," Stewart said on Tabradio.
"Sinful Living and Simon's (Miller) horse (Golden Vale) are probably going to be right up there.
"She's not that flash away in her barrier trials, she is probably going to give them a start.
"But, if they go hard up in front you never know, she'll be rocketing home.
"We know she is very good, but I think she is better at 12 hundred or further than a thousand.
"She is ready to go tomorrow and it wouldn't surprise me if she is steaming home and getting close to them.
"It wouldn't surprise me if she won."
In a field of 12 horses, Earthstorm has drawn barrier 10 and will be ridden by Steven Parnham for her first up assignment.
Stewart says Parnham also shares the same enthusiasm about Earthstorm.
"He loves her," Stewart said.
"He reckons she is the ants pants.
"I'm guided by what he says.
"I only ride her slow work and she feels good under me."
Earthstorm is currently second favourite ($4.80) behind TABtouch market leader Golden Vale ($2.25). Sinful Living is $5 and Wotugot $8.
Golden Vale, raced by Coolmore, is back at the races for start number two after posting a sparkling win on debut at Ascot last October.
Golden Vale was narrowly beaten in a barrier trial and that form strengthened with Glasgow Lass scoring first up in town last week.
Golden Vale comes out of barrier seven with Holly Watson partnering.
Sinful Living, co-trained by Dan and Ben Pearce, has gone from strength to strength after being run down by Define Beautiful on debut.
The daughter of Safeguard, who ran second, has backed up with back-to-back wins after leading all the way for Sydney jockey, Rachel King.
Chris Parnham takes the reins for the first time on Sinful Living and jumps from barrier six.
Stewart also saddles up Gold Maker, a $61 outsider.
A son of Universal Ruler he trialled twice ahead of his first up assault and from barrier 11 will have apprentice, Luke Campbell as his partner.
What are you really gambling with? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
