The decision on Accredited’s participation in the Winter Stakes hinges on the Rosehill track’s drying capacity. Trainer Joe Pride is hopeful for an upgrade from the current heavy 9 rating to a softer track, aligning with Accredited’s preference for firmer surfaces.

Pride is prepared to withhold the horse if conditions remain unfavorable, prioritizing long-term performance over immediate competition.

Should Accredited skip this race, a freshening period is planned ahead of the Missile Stakes (1200m) in August.

“It has been an unfortunate winter for him because there was always a chance it was going to be wet and he just hasn’t had much luck yet,” Pride said.

“He is a nice horse and the main thing I have found in these instances is you just look after the horse, get them through the period, don’t run them in unsuitable races and then you’ve still got a horse there at the end of it.”

Accredited boasts seven wins from 17 starts, with a less favorable performance at Sandown Hillside in May.

“He had won at Nowra, Warwick Farm, Randwick. I thought, this is a good horse to travel, he is versatile. But, no. He didn’t have a bar of it,” Pride said.

Back at Randwick, he secured a strong victory, aided by Nash Rawiller’s adept riding.

“I thought he was the best horse in the race. He was just looking for a decent ride and he got that and he won well,” he said.

Estadio Mestalla, another of Pride’s trainees, is set for the Winter Stakes (1400m), with strategic adjustments aimed at enhancing his performance.

Cool Jakey and Testator Silens are on standby, awaiting potential openings. Pride is particularly optimistic about Cool Jakey’s chances on a heavy track.

“The dryer track was against him last start. He is a pure wet tracker and he looks like he will get that again Saturday,” Pride said.

For betting enthusiasts, find the best platforms for wagering on Accredited and the Winter Stakes at Australian betting sites.