Trainer Mike Moroney is relying on an encouraging weather forecast to produce an ideal surface for tough stayer Maythehorsebemagic in the Queen's Cup at Eagle Farm.
Next Saturday's Queen's Cup over 3200m is one of the few races left on the Australian calendar at the distance of the Melbourne Cup.
Moroney's star performer in Queensland this winter has been Shenzhou Steeds, who backed up his Ipswich Cup win with victory in Saturday's Caloundra Cup, and the trainer is hoping Maythehorsebemagic can keep the momentum going.
"Dead to slow tracks are best for him but any wetter than that and I'd be concerned," Moroney said.
"Fortunately the sun is out and there's a strong wind. The forecast looks promising, which should help the track at Eagle Farm to dry out."
Moroney targeted the group three Queen's Cup as a realistic winter carnival goal for Maythehorsebemagic after he finished second to Dame Claire in the Andrew Ramsden Stakes (3200m) at Flemington in May.
At his first start in Brisbane after the Ramsden, the son of Zabeel finished seventh to Ginga Dude in the Tattersall's Cup (2200m) on June 23.
Moroney has abandoned spring carnival plans for talented mare Bonnie Mac, who will undergo a throat operation after her failure in the Tatt's Tiara.
