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Wet-weather predicted to hit Sydney in coming days

The runners in Saturday’s Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) are facing a huge test of stamina, with a huge amount of rain forecast to tumble in the area Sydney over the next 24 hours. 

Rosehill has already received more than 50mm of rain in the past week and there is more to come with up to 180mm predicted in the 24 hours leading ahead of the $3.5 million race.

"The forecast is difficult for this week but we've got a lot of hope and the track is performing well in wet conditions," track manager Shaun Patterson said.

Anthony and Sam Freedman will be hoping Artorius (Flying Artie) can cope with the difficult conditions, with the colt aiming to become only the sixth horse in history to complete the Blue Diamond Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) / Golden Slipper Stakes double. 

"With a horse like this who is going from a Blue Diamond to a Golden Slipper, if he was able to complete a double like that it would be pretty life-changing," Sam Freedman said.

Artorius ran down his Blue Diamond rivals with a powerful late surge after slicing through the field on the home turn at Caulfield last month.

"He looked a little bit immature and it looked liked he needed a bit of time ... but he's really started to strengthen and mature,” the co-trainer said.