Soft track to improve

DOOMBEN received 17mm of rain in the 24 hours to yesterday afternoon and was into the soft-7 range last night, but track manager Jim Roberts is certain the track will improve by tomorrow for the Stradbroke Handicap meeting.

“I feel pretty confident with it and the latest (weather) forecast is better than first anticipated,” Roberts said.

“It will be in the soft range, but if the forecast is right and we don’t get any further rain, the rating will definitely improve from where we are now.”

Roberts praised his staff for the work that has been done on the track in the past fortnight and has tipped jockeys to be pleasantly surprised when they inspect it tomorrow ahead of the multiple Group 1 meeting.

“I’m astounded how well it’s come back,” he said.