Waterhouse joined a small but hardy group in bleak weather conditions at the famous course to see her Grand Annual hopeful Valediction and Warrnambool Cup runner Cafe Society go through their final paces.

"I thought it was important that I made the trip to Warrnambool to check out their final work," Waterhouse told The Standard.

"I'm really happy I made the trip. I just wanted to see for myself how both horses were going before the carnival. I was thrilled with Valedication's work leading into the Grand Annual.

“Jockey Tom Ryan gave him a good look around - that's what he needed. Valediction was very relaxed which is a great sign. I think he's come of age."

Top jumps jockey Steven Pateman put Cafe Society over nine hurdles to sharpen the former import up for Thursday's cup run.

"It was great work by Cafe Society," Waterhouse said.

"He's usually a nervy type of horse but putting Cafe Society over the hurdles will hold him good stead for the cup. He jumped beautifully and looks destined for a jumps career after his flat racing."

Exciting Warrnambool jumper Danzadoozie schooled over 12 fences with raceday jockey Shane Jackson in the saddle.

The Irish born Jackson said trainer Symon Wilde will decide on Tuesday morning if Danzadoozie runs in the Brierly or goes straight into the Grand Annual.

Eric Musgrove's Brierly Steeplechase favourite Thubiaan worked two laps on the sand while Patrick Payne's Arwoc with Richard Cully on board was put over 12 fences.

Murray Bridge galloper Bold Zamour trained by John O'Connor was another Grand Annual contender who worked impressively over 10 fences with Patrick Flood in the saddle.

Warrnambool Racing Club racecourse manager Daniel Lumsden has rated the track a heavy eight following 21 millimetres of rain in the twelve hours up to 11.00 am on Sunday.