Chicago Storm ready to go in the Christmas Handicap 2025
Chicago Storm will look to add another piece of black type to his résumé on Saturday, but trainer David Aldridge says finding the right races for the gelding is becoming increasingly difficult.
The Murray Bridge conditioner saddles his stable star in the Listed Christmas Handicap (1200m) at Morphettville, a race the sprinter tackles in strong form.
Aldridge says Chicago Storm has thrived since being kept to sprint distances, a shift that has also exposed the limited programming options at home.
His standout victory remains the Listed City Of Adelaide Handicap (1527m), backed by 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 rises to 59.5kg as topweight, a sign of both his consistency and the narrowing window of suitable options.
“His rating now virtually means we can only run him at Carnival times, in Listed races and that type of thing,” Aldridge said.
Aldridge expects to freshen the gelding post-race, with the Listed City Of Marion Stakes in two months the likely next step.
He hasn’t ruled out a sprint-focused autumn, noting Chicago Storm may be suited to 1200–1400m features, possibly even the The Goodwood should his form demand.
A move east is possible beyond the Adelaide Carnival, though past experiences make Aldridge cautious.
“I’ve taken him over twice, but he’s not the best traveller… by the time you get him home, you’ve virtually got to pull up stumps,” he said.
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