As much as Victoria needs rain, Michael Kent is crossing fingers the heavens stay closed for the start of Saturday’s Flemington program where Samuel Langhorne contests the opening event, the TAB We’re On (2520m).

The stayer has a clear preference for firm footing, and with the track rated a Soft 6 on Friday and forecasts predicting up to 9mm of rain, Kent is wary.

“He’s not a wet tracker, so I’ll be keeping an eye on that, but being the first race, he’s a bit of a chance, but a lot of rain wouldn’t be good for him,” Kent said.

Samuel Langhorne enjoyed a purple patch last year, saluting at Sandown, Bendigo and Flemington, before placing sixth to The Map in the Andrew Ramsden, a lead-up to the Melbourne Cup.

His summer campaign opened brightly at Ballarat with a runner-up finish, but his next three efforts failed to fire.

“He had a good campaign last year and he started well for a summer campaign but then ran poorly at Sandown a couple of times,” Kent said.

“I don’t think he handled the hill as he’s a big, long-striding horse. I figured Flemington would suit better, assuming the track’s not too wet.”

Kent revealed the challenges in placing the gelding, having scratched from Moonee Valley due to surface issues and running on unsuited ground at Flemington last start.

“The extra trip suits him, so hopefully the ground is not too bad.”

Back on board for the first time in over a year is Blaike McDougall, who previously guided Samuel Langhorne to back-to-back wins at Bendigo and Flemington, including his last victory on Anzac Day.