Volcano is ready to erupt in today's $25,000 Kurow Cup - just as long as the rain stays away.
The 6yr-old has been in top form this season, winning one race, but running well in his other five starts.
His trainer, Lance Robinson, explains the key is the surface beneath Volcano's hooves.
"If you look back through his form, the only time he's ever really missed from getting his cheque has been when he's run on rain-affected tracks,'' Robinson said.
"That's the only dint in his armour, really.''
Volcano's first five starts this season were on good tracks, before he went to Ashburton on December 18 and won the 1400m open handicap on a dead track.
His two runs in rating 75 company at New Zealand Cup week were full of merit: he finished third to Maritimo on the first day before running on for fourth behind Kolonel Kev on the last day.
"He went huge races over the New Zealand Cup meeting, in strong fields and carrying big weights,'' Robinson said.
Volcano appreciated the drop in weights at Ashburton, carrying 54kg on the day after lugging between 58kg and 60kg in his other five starts this season.
"I think he gets in well - I think it's a good race for him,'' Robinson said.
Robinson's main fear is in the lap of the weather gods.
Showers are forecast for the day, but Robinson would prefer the rain clouds to avoid the Kurow track completely if possible.
"My only worry is there is rain forecast on the day and if it rains on the day, the only time he's run an off race has been on wet tracks, so I'm hoping it doesn't rain.''
Veteran jockey Terry Moseley will once again be on board the Volksraad gelding, as he has in all six starts this season.
Robinson said it was a combination that suited both rider and horse.
"He likes a strong rider - he's not a kid's horse and Terry gets on really well with him. And he's been riding him well.''
Volcano has won six times, but has been in the judge's call for the first five runners home in 21 of his other 34 starts.
However, none of those starts have been at Kurow, which will be another minor concern for Robinson when Volcano jumps from barrier 9 in the 10-horse field.
"He should be able to race midfield but he normally likes the big roomy tracks,'' he said.
"So providing he handles the turns all right and the track, I'm sure he'll run really well.''
Robinson will back off Volcano slightly after today's meeting in order to freshen him up for a tilt at the Timaru Stakes at Riccarton on January 30.
Courtney Barnes will have three rides at Kurow after she was passed fit to ride following an incident before the listed 1200m open sprint at Wingatui on Boxing Day.
She had arrived at the start aboard Querer but was kicked on the right leg by Sucre.
"It's as good as it can be - I got a clearance this morning,'' Barnes said.
Barnes received two stitches in her lower right leg and was released from hospital on Saturday night.
"The stitches are in my shin, but the bruise is lower down.''
