Adelaide beckons for Shepherdson's duo amid Melbourne weather concerns

Michael Shepherdson, a Geelong-based trainer, has opted to send a pair of horses to Adelaide for racing at Morphettville Parks due to the unpredictable Melbourne weather.

His runners, My Zephyr and Real Heir, are slated to compete on Saturday. My Zephyr is entered for the Mimi's Fast Fillies Handicap (1250m), while Real Heir will contest the Beyond Bank Handicap (1000m).

Originally considered for the HKJC World Pool Grand Handicap (1100m) at Flemington, Shepherdson ultimately decided against it, citing the weather forecast in Melbourne as the deciding factor.

"It's a much easier race over in Adelaide and there looks like there could be some rain in Melbourne on Saturday," Shepherdson explained. "She's better on drier ground and third-up, blinkers on, we're hoping it's the right ingredients for her."

He further elaborated on My Zephyr's prospects: "She didn't have a lot of room or a lot of luck last start at Geelong and we think third-up she's close to her peak. We've left the blinkers off in her first couple and thinking third-up it might be the time to strike with them on."

The Yarra Valley maiden winner, Real Heir, is also making the trip to Adelaide, with Shepherdson believing the journey will be beneficial for the gelding.

"He's always shown good talent," Shepherdson said of Real Heir. "He's probably typical of the Hanseatics, they've got plenty of speed as young horses, but they're probably not strong, or mentally strong, and he's needed a bit of time."

Shepherdson added, "He's come back really well after a good spell. He ran well at Ballarat and pretty much dominated at Yarra Valley last start. He is a bold, strong horse, more so on the ground than riding him, and we feel a trip away will further develop him as well."

"It's a logical step after winning your maiden to aim for a zero to 64, and a metro race in Adelaide is a good, logical step."

While Shepherdson explored options at his home track in Geelong for Saturday's racing, he is accustomed to travelling to Adelaide.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the weather, he determined that an interstate trip was the most logical strategy.

"It's good prize money over there for the quality of horse they are," Shepherdson noted. "You are going over to a race where there might be five or six chances, whereas you run in the same sort of quality race in Melbourne, and there will be 10 or 12 chances. It's a good opportunity for them in something a bit easier."

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