The clear sky and warm weather was perfect.

But for Terry Kelly the horse trainer, it was not exactly the conditions he was hoping for leading up to tomorrow's $130,000 Sportsbet.com.au Ballarat Cup, 2200 metres.

Kelly has Red Riviera engaged in the listed event, and some rain is really what the eight-year-old needs to give him his best shot at winning.

Going back a few seasons, with his joints feeling the wear and tear of racing, Red Riviera was at his absolute best in heavy going. The wetter the better.

He displayed this with a third behind Sentire and Bowl Along in the 2007 Ballarat Cup.

Kelly says a new treatment to help with joint problems has improved the big chestnut's lot substantially and as he showed at his latest outing, when fourth to Last Drop in the Ararat Gold Cup, he is now handling firmer ground much better.

Kelly was exceptionally pleased with that run.

"He didn't have any luck."

"But for being held up momentarily, he would have finished a lot closer," he said.

Kelly said it was going to be a massive day for his Ballarat owners, who include Ballarat Turf Club chairman Andre Agterhuis.

"It's a great day to be part of."

Kelly plans to have Red Riviera ridden for luck for his wide barrier draw.

He said jockey Matt Pumpa would drop back and not leave the rail.

And from there, you just never know.