Trainer Joe Pride is keeping a close eye on Rosehill’s drying track before confirming Accredited’s place in Saturday’s Winter Stakes.

The track was rated a heavy 9 on Thursday, but Pride is hoping it improves into the soft range to suit Accredited, who performs best on firmer ground.

While eager to run, Pride said he won’t hesitate to scratch the gelding if conditions remain unsuitable.

“It has been an unfortunate winter for him… he just hasn’t had much luck yet,” Pride said.

“He is a nice horse… don’t run them in unsuitable races and then you’ve still got a horse there at the end of it.”

If scratched, Accredited could be freshened for the Missile Stakes (1200m) in August.

Accredited boasts seven wins from 17 starts and bounced back with a strong Randwick win last time out after struggling at Sandown Hillside.

Stablemate Estadio Mestalla will contest the Winter Stakes with blinkers on.

Pride is also hopeful rain-loving emergency Cool Jakey gains a start, noting: “He is a pure wet tracker and he looks like he will get that again Saturday.”

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