Welwal’s trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have discovered a key ingredient to getting the best out of their French import — a wet track.

The six-year-old impressed first-up for the team when scoring in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last November on a rain-affected surface.

It’s that kind of going the stable has been targeting ever since.

“We have been hanging out for a heavy track for this horse,” Kent Jnr explained.

“He won for the stable first start on a heavy track in the Group Three Kevin Heffernan and all prep we have somehow been missing out on wet ground.

“The horse is really going well. We’re tickled pink with the way he is training.”

Following two forgettable runs this preparation, Welwal bounced back with a strong second to Headley Grange in the Civic Stakes (1400m) where he stormed home from near last.

He now heads to the Winter Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill, a race that sets up well for him with the field limited to 13 runners and a favourable draw.

“Things didn’t work out his first two runs because he got too far back, but last start was telling of how well he has been going at home. He really hit the line strongly,” said Kent Jnr.

“The heavy track and smaller field on Saturday really brings him into it.

“He has a nice middle draw and if he can just hold a spot midfield, I know he’s got a lot of weight but he is a class horse and he seemingly loves heavy going.”

Welwal has proven form at Rosehill over the distance and with a spaced preparation, should be primed for his fourth start this time in.

“He’s has been prepared beautifully for this race,” Kent Jnr said.

“He’s had three runs in and hasn’t been overtaxed. He is still on the way up and I reckon it’s a lovely race for him.”

Meanwhile, Grand Impact has been scratched from the Winter Stakes to instead tackle the Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) in Queensland.

Looking for top betting sites for the Winter Stakes? Compare your options now at justhorseracing.com.au.