Warwick Stakes 2014 day: Messene, Earthquake in doubt for Randwick

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes remains firm about a conviction not to run Warwick Stakes favourite Messene if the Randwick track doesn’t improve before Saturday’s important meeting.

Messene and the Godolphin poster filly Earthquake are expected to be two high-profile withdrawals if overnight rain keeps Randwick in the heavy range.

“At the end of the day if it’s a heavy track a lot of our horses won’t run and that includes Messene,” Hawkes said.

Messene has kept his place at the top of Warwick Stakes betting with Boban and Laser Hawk early scratchings because of wet ground concerns.

Randwick figured in a minor upgrade on Friday morning but forecast showers are threatening hopes for the meeting to be run on a surface in the slow range.

Rated one Hawkes Racing’s best chances for major spring results, Messene has raced once on a heavy track and didn’t disgrace himself in last season’s Doncaster Mile.

But there wasn’t enough merit in the run to convince the stable he is a wet tracker and much of his spring campaign will be tailored to avoid rain.

Similarly, Godolphin insists it will take no chance with Blue Diamond Stakes winner Earthquake, favourite to resume in winning form in the Silver Shadow Stakes.

Stablemate Memorial is also a Silver Shadow acceptor while Godolphin has Meursault and Kumaon in the Up And Coming Stakes.

Godolphin’s Jason Walsh said the stable was prepared to delay a return to racing for at least two of their stars.

“We will make a decision on Saturday morning but Earthquake and Kumaon are more unlikely than the other two if it’s heavy,” he said.

Kerrin McEvoy has been booked to ride Earthquake and Meursault and he is eager for the colt to be given a chance in the wet.

A barrier trial winner in heavy ground during the autumn, Meursault left a good impression with his three-length win at his only start.

“He’s only had one start for one win He’s been hyped a bit but he’s a promising horse,” he said.”

Warwick Farm trainer Clarry Conners said a heavy track would force him to scratch Dear Demi, another McEvoy mount, from the Toy Show Quality.

If Dear Demi is withdrawn, Conners will send her to Melbourne to start a campaign aimed at improving on last year’s third placing in the Caulfield Cup.

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