No-one could blame trainer Noel Doyle for breaking out in a smile when the weather bureau predicted rain for Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Doyle wants a downpour to help his noted mudlark Celtic Dancer who returns from an injury-enforced spell in the The President’s Open (1000m).
There are few better wet track horses in Brisbane than Celtic Dancer who has won the Group Two QTC Cup (1200m) and the Listed Prime Minister’s Cup (1400m) on rain-affected surfaces.
Celtic Dancer has not started since his second to Someday on a heavy track in the Listed Glasshouse (1400m) at the Sunshine Coast in June last year.
The gelding was not extended when second in a Gold Coast trial earlier this month.
“We have had a few suspensory problems with Celtic Dancer and he had a good long spell. The run on Saturday will do him the world of good but if he gets the right surface he should race well,” Doyle said.
Celtic Dancer’s immediate goal is the $100,000 Gold Coast Stakes (1200m) on March 15.
“I can’t make too many plans with him,” Doyle said. “Let’s just say I am waiting for the floods.
“On a wet track he is Group horse but on a dry track he usually struggles.”
Apprentice Geoff Goold will reduce Celtic Dancer’s weight to 57kg.
Forecasts are for a 90 per cent chance of rain in Brisbane on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Doyle has changed his plans for two-year-old filly Aimee, the winner of her past two city starts.
Doyle had intended to run Aimee at Doomben on Saturday week but she will now tackle the $100,000 Gold Coast Two Year Old Plate (1200m) on March 15.
“Then I will give her a break before bringing her back for the winter,” Doyle said.
At this stage Aimee’s main assignments in the winter will be the Group Two BRC Sires’ Produce (1350m) at Doomben on May 24 and the Group One J J Atkins Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 7.
