Officials at the Australian Turf Club admit the weather poses a major challenge ahead of Saturday’s Missile Stakes meeting at Randwick.

The track was rated a Heavy 9 on Thursday after over 155mm of rain fell this week—more than the monthly average in just seven days.

With forecasts tipping another 5mm Friday and up to 15mm Saturday, assistant track manager Jake Carlaw said the team is doing all they can.

“It is quite a tricky forecast for the team,” Carlaw said.

The rail will return to the true position for the first time since early June, providing “a nice pad of grass” if racing goes ahead.

The conditions are likely to see some key withdrawals.

Joe Pride is expected to scratch Private Eye if the track doesn’t improve, while Gary Portelli has ruled out Encap, instead eyeing a Rosehill trial next week.

One runner confirmed is Robusto, who comes in rock-hard fit after back-to-back placings in the Winter Stakes and Winter Challenge.

“He’s running and he is rock-hard fit,” trainer Bjorn Baker said.