Weather key to Rolls start: Maddie Raymond

The combination that took out the Warrnambool Cup are expected to reunite in their attempt to win a race at Flemington, provided there is rain leading up to the event.

Rolls, trainer Maddie Raymond and jockey Harry Grace took out the Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) last month and will continue their association in the Murray Cox Handicap (2540m) on Saturday.

Raymond did not see Rolls collect her hometown Cup victory, stopping off in Mortlake to watch the race on the phone enroute to Melbourne airport for a European vacation.

“There was lots of tears, but none from me,” Raymond said.

Rolls has had two starts since his Warrnambool Cup win, finishing seventh over 1800m at Sandown on May 27 before running fourth in the Apsley Cup (2000m) at Casterton last Sunday.

He lumped 60.5kg that day after the claim for Jaylah Kennedy and wasn’t suited on the shifty track.

“It was quite a messy, muddling run race and with the weight, it took its toll,” Raymond said.

“The track was a bit shifty too. He gets through the wet, no dramas, but a shifty track with the weight, probably took its toll.

“The three horses that beat him home, he gave them six-and-a-half kilos. He probably didn’t disgrace himself, but he’s better off down in the weights.”

Rolls drops to 56.5kg on Saturday and Raymond said getting back to the roomier Flemington circuit will also be better for the gelding.

“He’s a big striding horse that will be better at Flemington and he’s possibly not suited to apprentices either, but what do you do when you’re asked to lug that weight,” Raymond said.

“Harry does a bit of work for the stable and has quite a good association with a few of our horses, so we’re happy to keep him on.”

Raymond said if Rolls does not run on Saturday, there is a race at Caulfield next Saturday, otherwise the gelding will go for a break.

“We just need conditions to suit,” Raymond said.

“If there’s a bit more rain before Saturday, we’ll be there, if not we might keep him home.”