Forecast rain in Sydney has buoyed the confidence of jockey Glyn Schofield ahead of Thursday’s Listed Australia Day Cup at Warwick Farm.
Schofield partners last start Gosford Cup runner-up Wazn, with the imported stayer one of two Chris Waller-trained runners at the head of betting for the 2400m feature.
“He has struck good tracks his past couple of starts but we’ve had a little bit of rain around today and the more rain the better for him,” Schofield said.
“I think he’ll gain a few lengths on wet ground.”
Showers are expected in Sydney in the lead-up to Thursday’s event with four of Wazn’s five victories coming on either dead or slow ground.
Schofield said the contours of the Gosford course were not really suited to Wazn’s style of racing last start when the five-year-old ran home for second behind the in-form Straight Albert.
“He needs a bit of room and is suited on bigger tracks because he needs time to wind up,” Schofield said.
“Warwick Farm probably isn’t ideal for him in that respect either, but he’s got a nice gentle bend to come around there and if the ground is wet he’ll enjoy that and he’ll run very well.”
Wazn was a Warwick Farm midweek winner in his Australian debut last May on slow going, with his only other start at the track being a sixth as favourite in the Listed Tatt’s Cup (2095m) two starts back.
The former French-trained galloper will be having his first start over a distance further than 2100m on Thursday.
“I don’t think that will be a problem at all,” Schofield said.
Wazn was installed equal favourite at $4.80 with TAB Sportsbet on Tuesday along with stablemate Permit, before Permit quickly firmed to $4.40.
Permit overcame traffic problems early in the straight last start over 2400m at Rosehill to pick up under 59kg and win impressively.
Gosford Cup third-placegetter Legsman is next in betting at $5.50 with seven of the 10 runners under double figure odds.
Premiership-winning trainers Peter Snowden and Gai Waterhouse also have two runners entered with King Lionheart and last start Magic Millions Stayers Cup winner Kontiki Park the Waterhouse representatives.
Snowden has Peck and Group Three Summer Cup winner Yulalona set to compete on their home track.
