Just Folk’s chances in the $500,000 Group 2 Hollindale Stakes this weekend will rely heavily on the Gold Coast’s weather.

The eight-year-old has been included among 16 entries for the 1800-metre race, but trainer Gavin Bedggood said Just Folk needs heavy ground to be competitive.

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

“If the ground isn’t heavy, he won’t run.”

Should conditions not suit, Just Folk’s back-up plan is the $200,000 Listed Bernborough Handicap at Doomben on May 17.

The Gold Coast is expected to see a few showers this week, with up to 8mm of rain forecast on Friday. Last year’s Hollindale was run on a Heavy 10, with Just Folk finishing second.

Bedggood believes Just Folk is in excellent form, comparing him to last year’s campaign. “I think he’s going as good as he ever has,” he said.

Currently a $26 chance, Just Folk faces stiff competition, with Buckaroo and Lindermann the leading contenders in the betting.