The Cup will be run as Race 8 at 4.55pm, so the possibility exists for the track to cut up if the forecast is accurate.
Consensus has had three starts on a slow track for two wins. "She won't mind some rain," says McKee.
Consensus is not the biggest mare racing, but she carries good condition.
"She's done extremely well since that Ellerslie win last start. She is going in the right direction." Vavasour is due a change of luck. She was inconvenienced by a slow track when fourth less than one length from Consensus at Ellerslie two starts back and was narrowly beaten by Consensus at weight-for-age, being relegated to fourth for causing interference to Soriano.
Co-trainer Peter Williams is hoping for an absence of rain. "She will cop a dead track, but she wouldn't want it to get worse and go too slow." Like Consensus, Vavasour drops from 56.5kg to 53kg.
Decorah is one who definitely will not be troubled by a rain-affected track. She has won on a slow surface and twice in the heavy stuff.
Another stat that appeals is that she has two wins and a placing in five starts in her second race up from a break.
Her fresh run for a close sixth to Rasa Lila at Ellerslie was a nice effort.
Authentic Paddy looked good winning under 60.5kg last week, but this looks tougher under clear topweight of 59.5kg. That represents 4.5kg above the second topweight in Farm Boy. One advantage he has is a real ability if the track turns wet.
Farm Boy could be the surprise. He was not much more than half a length away in fifth place behind Soriano in the 1600m weight-for-age at Tauranga last week. That race was probably a touch sharp for him and tomorrow's 2100m is going to suit him better.
Delago's Secret is better than his two runs this preparation would suggest and he could be the sharp improver.
Soriano got her luck back on track with her Tauranga win last week and is beautifully placed to make it two straight in tomorrow's $100,000 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes.
Like her dam sire Just A Dancer, Soriano has form on wet tracks.
Kisses remains underrated and appeals as does Queens Rose and Irish Heartbeat.
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Flemington trainer Anthony Freedman renewed his subscription to the Tavistock fan club yesterday. On the closing afternoon of NZB's Ready to Run Sale, he went to $320,000 to secure the gelding (Lot 222) offered by Brighthill Farm.
"We're short of stayers at the moment and I really like the horse," he said.
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Bauhinia Racing's Dale and Katie Bussey hit a Karaka high yesterday when their Iffraaj colt set a new mark for their Cambridge operation.
The husband and wife team were delighted when the well-related juvenile (Lot 243) was knocked down for $340,000 to the Hong Kong duo of trainer Dennis Yip and bloodstock agent William Tai.
Top tips
Consistent: Promises, R5 Avondale: Won't mind a few showers and has won two from three at Avondale.
Will love some rain: El Pescado, R4 Avondale. Has won three from four in the wet.
Won't be a maiden long: Bowie, R2 Avondale. Looks a win waiting to happen.
- Additional reporting NZ Racing Desk
