Sydney’s punishing wet spell looks set to ease in time for Saturday’s Group 1 Winx Stakes at Randwick, although officials remain cautious after what forecasters described as “a month of rain in two days.”
By Thursday morning, Randwick had already soaked up 160mm of rain, including 76mm in the previous 24 hours, with a further 15mm falling before 4pm.
ATC general manager of racecourses Michael Wood said conditions should improve heading into the weekend. “The rain is forecast to continue for the next 24 hours. Our forecaster is saying it could clear up by mid-morning on Friday,” he said. “There is a slight chance for some lighter showers there on Saturday but certainly nothing as significant as we’ve had in the past week.”
All 12 runners accepted for the Winx Stakes remained in the field on Thursday, with Cox Plate champion Via Sistina installed as the $2.30 favourite. Trainer Chris Waller confirmed she would run on a heavy surface but admitted he would prefer no rain on raceday.
The ATC is particularly wary after being forced to abandon the Group 2 Missile Stakes at Randwick on August 9 due to similar conditions.
Punters looking to bet on Via Sistina and the rest of the Winx Stakes field can access the latest markets and offers through Australia’s leading betting sites.