Trainer Jarrod Austin holds no fears about the potential of a rain affected Kembla Grange track with stablemates Simply Nutbush and Scarlett Aplenty set to relish the likely conditions this Saturday.
Much like Sydney, the Illawarra is expected to face a drenching this weekend as Austin launches a two-strong attack in the Higgins Coatings 4yo&up Maiden Handicap (1400m).
Simply Nutbush ($5.50) is his top seed as the lightly-raced four-year-old looks to claim a breakthrough success at his fourth race start.
While he was unplaced on debut on a heavy track at Warwick Farm, Austin anticipates he will have no such issues if the track deteriorates further from the soft range on race day.
"He is by Vancouver and has quite a nice clean action," he said.
"I can't say I am certain he will get through it but I am very confident he will."
Rory Hutchings will be able to take advantage of a perfect draw on barrier two in Simply Nutbush's second-up assignment.
The gelding only just missed the placings in his first run this preparation over 1300m at Hawkesbury where he was last early in the run before making a sustained effort to finish fourth.
"They slackened the speed mid race and he just got up on their heels and had to go around them so he ended up making a long run in the race," Austin said.
"He knocked up the last little bit but I thought the first up effort was terrific."
Scarlett Aplenty is stepping up in grade following a last start second in a 1400m country maiden at Bathurst.
Austin admits he has to carefully choose when to run the daughter of Xtravagant.
Scarlett Aplenty battles knee issues and struggles to find her best when the ground is too firm.
"She is a mare that has got a lot of issues so we don't run her on anything if there isn't a bit of give in the track," Austin said.
"The heavier the better for her, she likes it that way.
"It's a bit of a step up from Bathurst but she gets her chance."
Ellen Hennessy will take the ride on Scarlett Aplenty as she attempts to break her maiden at her eighth attempt.
It will be the third consecutive Saturday of racing at Kembla Grange after the track successfully hosted its annual $1 million The Gong meeting last weekend.
All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Kembla Grange meeting