Australia: Storm the Ramparts toughest foe in Wellington Boot Stakes is an also-eligible

Three times since mid-January, the Australian 2-year-old Storm the Ramparts has finished third, each time closing ground to give the impression he was on the verge of a breakthrough.

Though winless, Storm the Ramparts has done enough to merit a leading role in the $132,900 Wellington Boot Stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs at Wellington Racecourse on Saturday evening. The colt is part of a field of 14 that could change significantly if Mostro draws into the race from the also-eligible list.

Trained by Adrian Bott and Gai Waterhouse, Mostro has yet to race, but did win a schooling race from the gate, or barrier trial, at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney last month to gain attention.

If Mostro gains a berth, the colt will be favored. Without Mostro, Storm the Ramparts is expected to lead the betting. Interestingly, Storm the Ramparts is trained by Mark Newnham, who recently accepted an offer to begin training in Hong Kong in late summer.

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Only two of the entrants in the Wellington Boot are winners, notably Legolas, who won the Black Opal Preview race at five furlongs at Canberra on Feb. 24, but was last of 11 in the Group 3 Black Opal Stakes at six furlongs at the same venue on March 12, fading tamely in the final furlong.

Wellington has an eight-race program beginning at 9:55 p.m. Eastern or 6:55 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

Earlier on the program, For Valour will be a solid favorite to win the Wellington Showcase Cup at 1 1/16 miles.

For Valour, trained by Bott and Waterhouse, was second in the Canberra Mile on Feb. 24. The Wellington Cup drew a field of 10, including High Court who was a game second in a handicap at 1 1/8 miles at Eagle Farm Racecourse on March 4, closing from last in a field of 10.

The Wellington Cup is part of the qualifying series for the $1.34 million Big Dance Stakes at a mile at Royal Randwick Racecourse in November. The first two finishers of the Wellington Cup qualify for consideration for the Big Dance, which will be run under handicap conditions with a maximum field of 20.

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