The Lost Storm - QLD Derby Photo by Dan Costello
STAR four-year-old The Lost Storm's interrupted start to 2024 has taken another twist.
The multiple Group 1 winner has been scratched from his planned comeback race in the heat of the Ladbrokes Tasmania Cup at Hobart on Sunday night.
"They cancelled his flight across, maybe because of the storm that's forecast, so he's not going now," trainer Emma Stewart said.
"It's disappointing because he'd been a bit crook a few weeks back and missed some work, which is why he wasn't up chasing the Chariots Of Fire."
"We've got the Melton Plate here on March 16 to target now, but the long term goal is the TAB Eureka with him."
The Lost Storm, who boasts 11 wins from just 16 starts, has yet to race since racing below his best with sixth in the Victoria Derby final on October 14.
In other stable news, champion mare Ladies In Red is primed for a racetrack return and could be a surprise start in one of the two Miracle Mile qualifiers at Menangle on Saturday week.
"She's ready to go, but there hasn't really been anything suitable for her," Stewart said.
"There's a chance she'll go to Menangle next week for the sprints. It's a maybe. She's ready to go, but it's a big ask because she hasn't raced since November."
"Her first real aim is the Ladyship Mile, but that's been pushed back to May (at Menangle), so we'll decide in the next few days if she goes up for next week."
"She seems really well, and it will be great to get her back to the races."
Former superstar filly Major Delight is also close to a return and will join stablemates like Ladies In Red and Treachery in aiming at the Ladyship Mile.
"We've also got Very Pretty close to returning, too," Stewart said.
"She's our NSW Oaks filly, which is on around the same time as the Ladyship."
Very Pretty is unbeaten in five runs, most recently winning the Group 1 Breeders Crown 2YO fillies' final at Melton on November 23.
In other stable news, Grand Circuit stars Act Now and Honolua Bay are in work but a while away from racing.
"Act Now is in work, but they're collecting from him for breeding, so when he'll be racing, it is a bit in limbo," Stewart said.
"Honolua Bay had a long spell with his hoof issues, but he's back. Something like the Brisbane winter races could be his target."
Stewart is renowned for her dominance with juveniles and is excited about the 2024 crop.
"I think we've got another really good bunch, including a Poster Boy called The Highlight Reel," she said.
"The first of our babies will trial from next week and should be racing in a month."
