GOLDEN Flag needs to run well in a high-weight race over 3100 metres at Warrnambool on Friday to warrant a start in the $300,000 Jericho Cup over 4600 metres at his home track on December 1, according to Patrick Ryan.
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Two high-weight flat races for jumps jockeys are on the eight-race program.
Ryan said Golden Flag's last start, when he ran third at Morphettville, was only fair.
"I've had the Jericho Cup in mind for Golden Flag for a while but he's got to run well on Friday to warrant going ahead with those plans in this campaign," he said.
"I thought Golden Flag would have run better last time in Adelaide. It'll be full steam ahead to the Jericho Cup if Golden Flag runs well but if he doesn't we may spell him and prepare him for a jumps campaign next year."
Inastride, a stablemate of Golden Flag, has the services of group one Warrnambool-based jockey Declan Bates when he resumes in a benchmark 64 race on Friday.
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The eight-year-old will be set for the Jericho Cup Repechage on December 1.
"The Repechage over 4065 metres looks a nice race for Inastride," Ryan said.
"Friday's race is over 1700 metres. He'll have another run or two before he's ready for the Repechage. The long term aim is to map out a jumps campaign for him."
Warrnambool Racing Club racecourse manager Daniel Lumsden said the track for the eight-race program would be rated in the soft six range.
"We've had more then 20 millimetres of rain in the last 48 hours," he said.
"The weather map shows there's going to be more showers late on Friday. The running rail will be in the true position for the meeting."
The first race is scheduled to start at 1pm.
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