A bit more sun on the Wingatui track could be the decider for Ri'Gah Brook today.
The Volksraad gelding is set to line up for his first start as a 4yr-old after three placings in seven starts to date.
His last start was an eighth placing behind Platinum Kingdom in the Southland Guineas in February and his trainer, Terry Kennedy, said a firm surface was needed for Ri'Gah Brook to show his best.
''He just had a break [after the Guineas], and was just waiting for the tracks to get better,'' he said.
''And [the track is] probably the only concern I've got.''
''He does race good fresh. If it comes back close to dead, he'll be fine.''
The track was rated as slow9 yesterday afternoon, and high winds are forecast for today, which should aid in drying the track out.
Ri'Gah Brook is generally seen over 1400m or 1600m, but Kennedy holds no fears for the 1100m the gelding will encounter tomorrow.
Kennedy has a two-pronged attack in the rating 65 1400m, but the draw and track has Kennedy angling towards Drumreims over My Reason as his brighter chance.
''He's been going good races,'' he said.
''He looks like a stayer but he can't stay - that's why I've brought him back to the 1400m.
''He's just been resting up and I think he'll be very competitive over 1400m.''
Drumreims has drawn barrier 4 and will move in one place if Slam Dunk does not make the field.
By contrast, My Reason has drawn in barrier 12, but that may suit his racing pattern, Kennedy said.
''He gets back a wee bit anyway so that shouldn't be a concern.
''His work's been good and he's got blinkers on. Ability-wise, he could be right in it.''
Wingatui mare The Diamond One continues her path to the Canterbury Breeders Stakes with a start in the rating 85 1200m. She has drawn a handy marble of barrier 2, and her trainer, Steven Anderton, has engaged Chris Johnson for the ride.
