Racing: Rider On The Storm ready to open doors

Big baby Rider On The Storm might have grown up just in time for tonight's $70,000 Franklin Cup.

The one-time speedster has emerged as the next open-class cups contender from the Robert Dunn stable with two huge performances in his past two starts.

Those efforts - a second in the Kaikoura Cup followed by a Show Day win at Addington - point to him being one of the best chances in tonight's 3200m event at Alexandra Park. But Dunn said the battle for Rider On The Storm was often not on the track but on SH1.

"We have always known he was a good horse but he has also been a terrible traveller," said Dunn.

"We brought him up here two years ago and he looked a real chance in the Derby but after winning he just got worse and worse.

"It was the same when we brought him up for the Jewels. He gets nervous travelling, doesn't settle in and his muscle counts goes way up."

Dunn countered that during this week's trip north from Christchurch by booking Rider On The Storm one and a half stalls in the transporter while he also worked him when he stopped over in Bulls.

"I think both those things helped and while he is still not perfect being away from home this is the best he has travelled.

"He worked great on Wednesday morning and I think he has a great show."

Dunn believes Rider On The Storm can pace under 4:0 for the 3200m tonight, even if he has to do all the work in front.

"He has a very high cruising speed and can hold it for a long time.

"He is a genuine open-class horse because when he won at Addington last start he had to sprint five times and relaxed in between every time."

He heads the six-strong team Dunn has brought north, with Rider On The Storm likely to stay here until the Auckland Cup in March.

While he rates all his raiders good chances of making money on the trip, Dunn says Yankee Dream in race 11 is his best chance tonight.

"She is a class filly and has gate speed so barrier one is ideal.

"She is almost the perfect horse, she has a great gait, speed, stamina and manners. I know she is up against some handy colts but I expect her to be in the top three fillies in the country so she is the class act in the race."

Dunn is also aiming Surf And Sand (race one) and Gretna's Best (race six) at the major fillies' races next month.

"Surf And Sand has impressed me lately and she is very well gaited too so barrier one will suit her.

"I think she will be hard to beat whereas Gretna's Best has a bit to learn and a tough draw but she is also a good filly."