The going at Sha Tin, venue of Sunday's International races, is currently good to yielding following heavy rain, but faster ground is expected at the weekend.
Almost two inches of rain has fallen on the track since Monday, altering the going from good to yielding, and trackwork yesterday for the big-race contenders was again held in driving rain. The weather is forecast to improve today, with dry and sunny conditions expected for the next 48 hours, and the fast-drying Sha Tin track is likely to firm up quickly.
John Ridley, racing manager for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said last night: 'If the rain keeps going, the ground would be yielding for the International races.
But if the forecast proves correct, the going should be back to good by Friday lunchtime, and it could be good to firm again by Sunday.'
Showers are possible on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, but a fine afternoon is expected for the International meeting.
Ridley added: 'If the ground is back to good by Friday, it would take another inch of rain for it to become good to yielding again. But, of course, it will all depend on the weather on the day itself.'