Trainer Peter Snowden is monitoring weather conditions closely as he considers whether to send Touristic back to Grafton for another crack at the Grafton Cup (2350m) on Thursday.

Touristic came within a whisker of winning the race last year and Snowden had earmarked the country feature as a target once again. However, firm ground could prompt a change of plans.

“We’ve been thinking about this race, but a lot will come down to the surface,” Snowden said. “They’re not getting a lot of rain up there and he really does his best work with some give in the track.”

The six-year-old gelding has enjoyed a solid campaign since resuming in January, highlighted by his victory in the Listed Lord Mayors Cup (2000m) earlier this year. At his latest start, he finished strongly for fourth in the McKell Cup (2000m).

“He’s still full of energy and worked brilliantly on Saturday morning,” Snowden added. “He’s in great order and really enjoying his routine at home.”

Meanwhile, Ciaron Maher is also weighing up plans for Glory Daze, who has been nominated for the Grafton Cup as well as a 2000m open handicap at Flemington.

The wet-track specialist has proven form on softer going, including a heavy-track win at Randwick earlier this prep, but connections are cautious about another dry surface run.

“He ran very well last time on a good track, but it’s not ideal,” said Maher’s assistant Johann Gerard-Dubord. “We’ve also accepted for a race at Flemington, so we’ll make the call closer to the time.”

Punters looking to back a horse in the Grafton Cup can compare odds and offers from the top Australian betting sites here.