Track conditions in Sydney will dictate how many runners Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou saddle-up at Rosehill.
Like many Sydney trainers, Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou are on weather watch ahead of Saturday's Rosehill meeting where they are set to have up to three runners.
The pair have dual acceptor Costabit in the NSW Bookmakers Co-Op Handicap (1500m), and Sequista and Fleeting Spirit in the Vale Sandro D'Amore Handicap (1200m).
Alexiou says they are still weighing up whether Costabit takes his place at Rosehill, or heads south for the Illawarra Grange program, but with his only win in six starts coming on a heavy track, the temptation to roll the dice in metropolitan company is strong.
"He is a very effective wet tracker," Alexiou said.
"He's probably out of his grade in that Saturday race, but what he lacks in class he makes up for with an outdoor motor on a heavy track.
"We've accepted for Kembla as well on Saturday and we'll weigh up our options."
Costabit has done the bulk of his racing on the provincial circuit, including last start when he was luckless behind Saturday's Rosehill rival Hush Hush and unable to find a clear run in the straight.
"He should have gone close to winning the other day," Alexiou said.
"He'll be a good chance wherever he winds up."
Alexiou is also in two-minds about Sequista, whose best form is on good tracks.
She was doing her best work late when sixth in the Denise's Joy Stakes (1100m) at Scone and may be saved for a shot at a race over the Brisbane winter carnival.
"I don't think she's at her best on heavy ground," Alexiou said.
"We'll see how the weather plays out but there is also the option to go up for a race at Eagle Farm next Saturday."
Fleeting Spirit is set to take her place in the same race, Alexiou mulling over a change of tactics in the hope a more conservative ride might help her reproduce the ability she has been showing at home.
The mare has finished fourth at her past two starts in midweek company and Alexiou is adamant she is better than those performances suggest.
"We're going to toy with the option of riding her dead quiet on Saturday and giving her one crack at them," he said.
"She has been a bit one-paced ridden up near the speed, so we'll change a few things and see how she reacts.
"She's got a good turn of foot, but she just hasn't been showing it."
