Forecasted weather at Randwick holds the potential to alter Ciaron Maher’s plans for the Sweet Embrace Stakes, leaving Pierro Plate winner Ciaron’s Star’s participation hanging in the balance if rain makes the track too testing.

Spicy Miss remains a certain starter in the essential Golden Slipper forerunner, with assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord disclosing that decisions on Ciaron’s Star hinge on the latest predictions.

“We have the option to either go two weeks (into Saturday), and three weeks into the Slipper, or wait an extra week, which will give her three weeks from last start and two weeks into the Slipper,” Gerard-Dubord said.

“She is by I Am Invincible. Usually, they don’t tend to like those wet tracks.

“We’ve got a very open mind. If there was a bit of give, there would be no issue, but if the track was too wet, we’d be waiting an extra week.”

The filly Spicy Miss will compete irrespective of the going, having previously only tackled firm tracks in her career.

Debuting with second in the Golden Gift, she then chased home Agrarian Girl creditably in the 1000m Lonhro Plate. In Gerard-Dubord’s view, Saturday’s extension to 1200 metres in the Sweet Embrace Stakes aligns well with her attributes.

Her fifth spot in Golden Slipper Order of Entry standings, bolstered by prizemoney, equips the stable to pace her campaign toward the major juvenile contest.

“After the Gift, we knew we were a good chance to qualify for the Slipper, so working back from the Slipper, we have left plenty of improvement to come,” Gerard-Dubord said.

“We’ve still got more to come, but three weeks between runs and stepping up to 1200 will suit her, and a bit of rain around wouldn’t bother her.

“Obviously, we’d love to get a win on the board, and if she did that or ran very well, we’d progress to the Slipper.”

For the 1200m Sweet Embrace Stakes, Queensland filly Pembrey is the early market elect, with Spicy Miss and Ciaron’s Star also attracting support among principals.

Top online bookmakers provide competitive betting markets for the Sweet Embrace Stakes.