Organisers and punters heading the Birdsville Cup are hoping the weather remains fine as forecasters predict rain for Friday but fine conditions for Saturday.
The two-day Birdsville race meeting is part of the Triple Crown Series, that includes Betoota and Bedourie.
“The track is in great condition and the club remains confident of a successful race meeting, Birdsville Race Club vice president Gary Brook said. “We’ll provide further updates if conditions change.”
With Betoota already held, a field of 121 horses will race having travelled as far as Darwin, Tamworth and the Sunshine Coast.
Successful Barcaldine trainer Todd Austin leads the nominations with a team of 10 horses.
Returning to compete are a number of former Birdsville Cup winning trainers. They are Richard Simpson, Longreach, Jay Morris, Mt Isa, Ray Hermann, Winton, Craig Smith, Roma, and Rodney Robb, Nyngan, NSW.