Forecast is good for Jewel

GOLD Coast officials are confident the Jewel race program on Saturday won’t be thrown into chaos by rain again as they look to build on one of the turf club’s biggest events.

The 2019 Jewel meeting was run on a bog track with The Odyssey winning the premier race, the $500,000 2YO Jewel, before the final three races on the card were abandoned.

The $300,000 3YO Jewel was shifted to Brisbane the following week while the Listed Goldmarket Quality was run on the Coast the same day.

Jockeys Brad Stewart and Tegan Harrison, who rode Malvern Estate and Divine Dice respectively in the Goldmarket, were flown by helicopter from Brisbane to Bundall to make the race in time.

The Gold Coast track is currently rated a heavy 10 with more showers likely before a fine Saturday.

GCTC chief executive Steve Lines predicted the track would be in the soft range by the weekend.

“There is a bit of wind coming which will help dry the track out and we think the track will be in good condition for Saturday,” he said.

Lines said most corporate areas would be at capacity, including The Emporium room that will be launched on the day with 160 guests.

Queensland’s biggest airconditioned general admission area will also be available on the $1.6 million race day.

There have been more than 200 nominations for the ninerace meeting.

The Robert Heathcotetrained Rothfire is the $1.15 favourite for the 2YO Jewel, where the nominations include Gold Coast-trained pair Hembrow and Safework.