Chris Waller is confident that the heavy rainfall across Sydney won’t significantly impact his strong team heading into the first Group 1 of the season, the Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.

The track was rated a Heavy 8 when nominations closed on Monday, with Waller responsible for seven of the 18 entries. However, forecasts suggest up to 100mm of rain could fall leading into Saturday’s feature.

“At this time of year, every day is a different day with weather,” Waller said. “We’ve had to restrict a lot of their work, but with these ones they’ve actually been well ahead of it. They’ve actually been on the right leg, while other horses have been on the wrong leg. They’ve had their trials and exhibition gallop while other horses are struggling to even have their first trials.”

The trainer confirmed he intends to start his team provided conditions don’t worsen dramatically. “If the forecast is like it has been and we are not seeing those 40 to 50mm (of rain), they will be running, but we’ll make a decision later in the week if we need to, but I want to run them, as long as the track is safe. I need to get them started.”

Waller’s entries include Via Sistina, Fangirl, Lady Shenandoah, Lindermann, Full Count Felicia, Aeliana and River Of Stars. James McDonald is booked for Via Sistina, Jason Collett for Aeliana and Kerrin McEvoy for Fangirl, with the trio galloping impressively at Rosehill on Saturday.

“They’re well prepared. They’re not going into the race underdone or heavy,” Waller said. “Rain on the day is the worst thing, and you can’t control that. I’ve got respect for the Sydney tracks. I think they’re better and we saw in the autumn with some rain they recovered quickly.”

Waller added that missing last week’s Randwick meeting was a positive, leaving the surface in fresh condition with the rail back to the true position. “It will be fine.”

Other key entries alongside Waller’s team include Mr Brightside, Light Infantry Man, Ceolwulf, Gringotts and Another Wil.