The Randwick track is one of the best in the country but it will be pushed to its limits on Chipping Norton Stakes day this Saturday.
As much of the east coast gets battered by rain, punters will be keeping a keen eye on the mudlarks in the form guide.
Bet on the Chipping Norton Stakes with TAB.
Randwick racecourse manager Michael Wood provided an update on Friday afternoon, giving a positive report on the condition of the track.
"We've conducted a track inspection, along with Racing NSW stewards this afternoon, we're of the same opinion that the track is still rated a Heavy 9," Wood said
"We've recorded 8.6 millimetres since the track inspection this morning, taking our total to just over 225 millimetres for the week.
"As you can see, the track's in great order, presents well, we do have forecast showers throughout the day tomorrow but very pleased with the way the track's handled the rain this week."
Track Update from Racecourse Manager Michael Wood ahead TAB Chipping Norton Stakes Day at #RoyalRandwick.
— Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) February 25, 2022
@racing_nsw @RNSWStewards @7horseracing @skyracingau pic.twitter.com/ztKGUu1Qop
As it turned out, Sydney was lashed with another massive downpour shortly after that update, ensuring Saturday's racing, particularly later in the day, will be an absolute slogfest.
In the feature Group 1, the weight-for-age Chipping Norton Stakes, favourite and noted wet-tracker Verry Elleegant now looks even harder to beat.
The Chris Waller mare couldn't match it with Kerry Parker's star gelding Think It Over in the 1400m Group 2 Apollo a fortnight ago but punters are backing the Melbourne Cup winner to turn it around over the mile.
Bet on the Chipping Norton Stakes with TAB.
Waller himself is quietly confident but not dismissive of Think It Over.
“I don’t know how we are going to beat the winner, he was super impressive,” Waller said on Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“Kerry Parker has done a fantastic job with Think It Over, he has a good weight-for-age horse there.
“It will be a great race but let’s hope Verry Elleegant and a few of our horses can make it more of a contest on Saturday.”
Waller, who also saddles up Kolding and Hungry Heart in the Chipping Norton, hopes the give in the ground will suit his star galloper.
“It was a funny race (Apollo Stakes), they (Verry Elleegant, Hungry Heart and Kolding) lost touch with the leaders and were chasing from the 700m,” Waller said.
“But Verry Elleegant will bounce out of that race, she looks fantastic and will naturally improve up to the mile. She is our number one seed.”
“The beauty of Verry Elleegant is that it doesn’t matter if it is a heavy 10 or a good 3, she is equally as effective.
“She keeps going at one speed. She is good for her trainer because I can rest easy and not have to worry about the weather with her.
“I guess on a soft track it slows them (rivals) down a little bit and makes it a bit easier for a middle-distance horse like her over the mile.”
