‘May get back to heavy’: Flemington track manager’s rain watch

Flemington was upgraded from a Heavy 8 to Soft 7 on Friday morning — but all eyes are on the forecast rain.

Flemington has raced superbly during the winter season. Picture: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Flemington track manager Liam O’Keeffe would rather sleep to the sound of raindrops than wake up to wet weather on Saturday.

The racing surface was upgraded from a Heavy 8 to Soft 7 on Friday morning, courtesy of drying winds and relatively fine weather.

O’Keeffe has been told to expect 2-8mm of rain and potentially some during the five-hour racing window.

* Early Oil: Race-by-race preview for Flemington on Saturday

The first of nine races at Flemington on Saturday is at 12.05pm.

“Unfortunately it’s predicted to rain on the day,” O’Keeffe said.

“You never know, we might dodge it all and get a nice soft winter track … I just hope it comes tonight (Friday) and clears tomorrow (Saturday).

“There are strong winds so hopefully it pushes the rain away, but I think we will get some showers during the day. We may get back into the heavy range if the rain arrives … it’s probably going to be one of those watch and see days.”

Jamie Kah will return to riding at Flemington after a few weeks off.

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A 22mm dump early in the week had Flemington well into the heavy but the remarkable drainage and Mother Nature led the recovery.

“The last couple of days have been good … gradually improved with the wind,” O’Keeffe said.

“The winds help dry the track this time of year … but these winds are now expected to bring some showers our way.”

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The rail is out 3m on Saturday, with “a little bit of wear and tear” across the track as expected after a busy winter season.

“I think they’ll (jockeys) use the inside half on the circle races and gradually edge off the rail as the day progresses, especially if we get some rain during the day,” O’Keeffe said.

“For the straight racing I think that middle to outside part of the course (will be used), looking for some fresh ground during the day.”

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Originally published as ‘May get back to heavy’: Flemington track manager’s rain watch