Racing: Rain and cash pour in on stayer

Harris Tweed will go around in today's A$2.2 million BMW at Rosehill as one of the most heavily backed runners all day.

When the rain tumbled in Sydney earlier this week the money started pouring as well, straight into the palms of the bookmakers.

"He's $17 into $10 and the money is still coming," said DoubleBet's Brian Taylor.

The weight of money for the Cambridge stayer does not surprise co-trainer Murray Baker.

"He's very well, he won the Tulloch Stakes on this day last year, the 2400m is his perfect trip and he will like the slow track."

Baker is also delighted that Darren Beadman is on Harris Tweed.

Last start Harris Tweed finished second to Vosne Romanee in the 2000m SkyCity Stakes at Ellerslie.

"That was a good run because he's not really a 2000m horse, he's much better at 2400m," says Baker.

"It's just a shame that most of the weight-for-age racing is at 2000m. This race is the exception."

It could be a big day on both sides of the Tasman for Harris Tweed's New Zealand owner Phil Bayly, who has Lion Tamer to strongly represent him in the Sires Produce at Manawatu today.

Track conditions will play a major part in the BMW. Favourite Theseo, winner of the Chipping Norton and Ranvet Stakes at his last two, is two from three on slow footing, so is unlikely to be disadvantaged by the rain-affected rating.

The other New Zealand runner Daffodil should be assisted by the track.

She races more and more dour as she gets into a campaign and will be ideally set up by the jump to 2400m.

She was only 2.2 lengths from Theseo in the Ranvet Stakes last start and looks better suited by this race.

The conditions will not favour New Zealander Mufhasa in the A$400,000 George Ryder Stakes, even though he finished a game third in the race to Vision and Power and Black Piranha in heavy conditions last year.

Vision and Power and Black Piranha are rivals again and are well known for their ability in the wet. Vision and Power has had eight starts in heavy ground for five wins and two placings.

As if the A$3.5 million Golden Slipper wasn't already a punter's nightmare, the rain has made it nearly impossible.