If the forecast rain arrives today for Te Rapa's $100,000 James and Annie Sarten Memorial it won't for a second worry the connections of the three race favourites.
Bostonian, Gift Of Power and Hard Merchandize are all capable on rain-affected tracks, offering a completely different scenario to most years.
The Tony Pike-trained Bostonian was yesterday the $4.20 favourite after his first-up win in the Sir Colin Meads Trophy and then close second in the Hawke's Bay Guineas. Both were run on rain-affected footing, the first on a slow 9.
"He came back from Hastings in great order and is very well for this race," said Tony Pike. "He went very well in the Guineas after sitting three wide throughout. I thought he was brave to the finish given the run he had."
Hard Merchandize beat Bostonian by half a head in the Guineas and trainer Gary Vile says he is not at all worried about the prospect of rain.