More than 50 millimetres of irrigation has been pumped onto the track over the past week to have a good four rating for the eight-race New Year's Eve program.

Racecourse manager Daniel Lumsden said staff had watered the track each day for the past six weeks.

"We've had a real dry December," he told The Standard.

"The dry weather and strong winds have really dried out the track. It's supposed to be 32 degrees early on Friday so we put a fair bit of irrigation on Thursday to ensure the track will have a good four rating for the opening race.

"It's labour intense work doing the irrigation and it takes a lot of time ensuring the track gets an even coverage of water. I think we've only had 5mls of rain for December. The running rail will be in the true position for the meeting."

Aaron Purcell is one of four trainers who accepted with two runners in the $50,000 Woodford Cup but he may only saddle up the top-weight Guizot and scratch Kings Full.

"I think Guizot should run well," the multiple group one-winning trainer said.

"My biggest worry with Guizot is the 60kgs. The big weight is a concern but he's harshly weighted compared to some other horses in the race.

"I've been quite happy with Guizot's two runs in this campaign. He's got an excellent record at the track and goes well over the 1700 metres. I think we may save Kings Full for the Koroit Cup on January 9."

Symon Wilde, Lindsey Smith plus Ciaron Maher and David Eustace accepted with two runners in the feature race.

The first race is at 2.10pm with the Woodford Cup at 6pm.

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