Officials on weather watch for Missile Stakes at Randwick
The course proper was a heavy 9 on Thursday after receiving over 155 mils of rain this week, or the equivalent of the usual monthly total in seven days.
With further rain on the radar, particularly on Saturday, ATC assistant track manager Jake Carlaw says they will do all they can, but ultimately the fate of the meeting will hinge on the weather.
'The next couple of days, there's about five mils forecast on Friday and about fifteen on Saturday, so it is quite a tricky forecast for the team,' Carlaw said.
'Considering we had barrier trials today (Thursday) we will give the track a quick fill, hopefully mow the track this afternoon and just let Mother Nature take it's course with this rain in the next few days.'
Carlaw added the rail would revert to the true position for the first time since early June, ensuring 'a nice pad of grass' for race day.
The near certainty of an extremely heavy track has already robbed the Missile Stakes (1200m) of one of its biggest drawcards with trainer Joe Pride scratching Group 1 winner Private Eye.
Pride made the final call on Friday morning with the gelding (later on Friday) winning a trial at Warwick Farm.
Gary Portelli has also indicated he won't send Encap around on a testing track and has nominated the Doncaster Mile placegetter for a Rosehill trial next week.
One horse who will take his place in the feature is the Bjorn Baker-trained Robusto.
The winner of The Ingham during the summer, Robusto has the advantage of recent racing, having competed at the backend of the Brisbane winter carnival before returning to Sydney where he finished runner-up in the Winter Stakes (1400m) and captured the Winter Challenge (1500m) last month.
Baker said the step back in distance would be no issue, especially given the anticipated conditions.
'Not with the track the way it is. It might be a big advantage,' Baker said.
'He's running and he is rock-hard fit.'
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SILVANITO (8) is a good longshot as he is trialling well and his best form is on wet tracks. Thomas: I've been with KERGUELEN (2) every time he has raced but I'm jumping off him and going with THEBLADE (12) first-up. He was brilliant winning a Rosehill trial last week, goes well on wet tracks, and has always shown something, as you pointed out, Ronnie. The 6.5kg he gets off Kerguelen might be the crucial difference on the heavy track. WINSTON HILLS (9) is a first-up specialist and he has a powerful finishing sprint. Kerguelen excels on heavy tracks with three wins and two seconds from his five starts. He's a deserved favourite and might just be too good. POINT AND SHOOT (1) was in great touch last summer but he has a lot of weight first-up on an unsuitable wet track. RACE 8: MISSILE STAKES (1200m) Dufficy: GENERAL SALUTE (4) ran well first-up in Brisbane, he has trialled nicely since and is set to run boldly. I'm confident about his chances. 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He has been gelded before this preparation and has won two trials five weeks apart in very good style. He looks like he arrives here ready to make a statement. SALTCOATS (16) is the danger after a couple of recent runs. ST LAWRENCE (8) is ready to pounce at a distance that should suit. GLORY DAZE (12) is racing well, has no weight after the claim and has to be a contender. Thomas: There's a lot to like about SALTCOATS (16). He has been improved by two runs from a spell and his effort to close late for third at Listed Level in the Winter Challenge last start is a great pointer for this race. He's getting out to his right distance range and he did win over the Randwick 1800m course when last in work, plus he handles heavy tracks. The classy ADELAIDE RIVER (2) has looked really good in two recent trials and looks primed to run well. ESTADIO MESTALLA (5) is very fit and racing well. ROYAL SUPREMACY (13) was big odds when he won over this course and distance last start but looks an improving type. RACE 10: DRINKWISE MILE (1600m) Dufficy: This is another even race but I feel PURE ALPHA (7) is going well without winning but the booking of Nash Rawiller may help to find that extra length. PUNTIN (3) is the danger. I want to forgive him when a beaten favourite on that sticky track last start and back to a mile he deserves another chance. GLAD YOU THINK SO (6) landed some good bets winning last start and could easily go right on with the job. MORNINGTON PIER (12) has looked good winning both his starts for the new stable. Thomas: PUNTIN (3) missed a placed for the first time in his career last start but coming back to 1600m suits. He's very genuine and rates as a strong winning chance. His dangers include GLAD YOU THINK SO (6) who powered to the line to win over this course and distance last start. 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