Trainer David Vandyke won’t risk starting Lamasery in the Group One Metropolitan on Saturday if the track is too wet.
Randwick was in the dead range on Wednesday and with the worst of the forecast rain predicted in the next 24 hours, Vandyke was anxiously watching the weather.
“If it’s a slow seven he won’t run, if it’s a slow six he probably will run,” Vandyke said.
“He’s not a complete duffer in it and I still think he could perform well but he’s not at his best in it and he doesn’t pull up well after a wet-track run.
“He’s been a very good horse to us.
“We’ve been fortunate to have had this period when he’s won back-to-back Group races, it has been a real dream come true and I’m not going to risk him.”
Vandyke has also thrown in a nomination for The Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington on Sunday and says it is a realistic option if the rain comes in Sydney.
Brenton Avdulla will ride Lamasery in whatever race he contests after winning aboard him at his past two starts in the Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) and Colin Stephen Quality (2400m).
The Colin Stephen was his first test at the Metropolitan journey and Lamasery handled it admirably under a hefty 57kg.
He drops five kilos in the Metropolitan which he will tackle on a seven-day backup.
Vandyke reported Lamasery had recovered well after initially feeling the effects of his tough run.
“He’s really started to turn the corner in the past couple of days,” Vandyke said.
“I was a bit worried because he always pulls up a bit dusty.
“It’s a bit like a footballer who runs the ball up all game and is a bit sore and sorry for a few days after it.
“But he’s bounced back well, he’s eating well and I gave him an easy few days. He went to the river today (Wednesday) and loved that.”
Vandyke said Lamasery would have his only gallop of the week on Thursday morning to round out his Metropolitan preparations.
“I’m pretty confident he will back up and run well, as long as the rain doesn’t continue,” he said.”
Lamasery was installed the equal $5.50 favourite with TAB Sportsbet following acceptances on Wednesday with Patinack Farm’s Trusting sharing top billing.
Trusting drew barrier 10 while third pick Tullamore ($8) has gate seven.
He will be one of two runners for Gai Waterhouse along with defending titleholder Herculian Prince, a $31 chance from barrier 17.
Waterhouse shares the Metropolitan training record with her late father TJ Smith at seven wins.
AAP TURF
