In preparation for the much-anticipated Caulfield Cup Day, the Caulfield racecourse is set to undergo strategic watering to achieve a ‘Good 4’ surface.
Track manager, Tim Bailey, told racing.com, “We’re not specifically preparing it for one horse. There’s no doubt that 99 per cent of trainers want a Good 4 throughout the day.”
He further confirmed that 10 millimetres was added both yesterday and today, with additional watering scheduled for the evening.
The aim is to combat the drying effects of today’s 29-degree heat. Adjustments to the track also include a shift in the rail’s position, with only minor markings noted by Bailey.
Weather forecasts predict strong northwesterly winds which, according to Bailey, “might be interesting with the northwesterly half hitting those horses on the rail.”
Being outside may offer horses some wind protection, potentially impacting race outcomes.