Gavin Bedggood Just waiting on the weather ahead of Hollindale Stakes

The participation of Just Folk in this weekend’s Hollindale Stakes will be determined by how much rain falls on the Gold Coast track ahead of the $500,000 Group 2 event.

Trainer Gavin Bedggood has entered the eight-year-old gelding but says a wet surface is essential if the horse is to line up on Saturday over 1800 metres.

“He’s bounced out of his last run, he did some work on Saturday morning and the team was happy with him, but it’ll be either Saturday or Saturday week,” Bedggood said.

“The horses that are going there on Saturday, he needs heavy ground to be competitive with them, so if it’s not heavy he won’t run.”

Should the track not meet their requirements, connections will aim for the Listed Bernborough Handicap at Doomben on May 17 as an alternative option.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s forecast currently includes light showers throughout the week, with Friday’s maximum expected rainfall of 8mm holding the most influence on track conditions.

Just Folk relished a Heavy 10 when finishing runner-up to Numerian in last year’s edition of the race, which was moved to the Sunshine Coast due to weather.

His most notable effort this prep came with victory in the Group 3 Doncaster Prelude (1500m) on April 1. He followed that up with unplaced runs in the Doncaster Mile and the Brisbane Handicap (1600m).

Bedggood remains confident Just Folk is in the same form he showed 12 months ago when runner-up in this race.

“I think he’s going as good as he ever has,” Bedggood said.

“I thought he was not ridden to suit last start, the jockey came in and admitted fault, so he definitely should have finished right amongst the money.

“I think he’s going every bit as good as he was 12 months ago.”

He’s currently rated a $26 outsider for the Hollindale, with stablemate Buckaroo ($3.50), Lindermann ($4.50), and others like Antino, Eliyass, and Bois D’Argent featuring among the main chances.