The David Vandyke-trained stayer is the popular pick for Saturday’s 2150m feature race coming off a two-length defeat to Our Ivanhowe in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m).

Working in Maurus’ favour is the possibility of a wet track at Ipswich with showers forecast for Saturday.

“They’re predicting some rain for tomorrow which is a bit iffy,” McLeod said.

“If the rain does come we’ll be looking for horses trying to swoop down the middle of the track.

“If the rain stays away then it is more of a leaders track where you’d want to be on pace.

“We’re just sitting on the fence at the moment about that.”

But with a clear level of uncertainty around the state of the track, McLeod advised punters adopt a cautious approach to taking the short odds for the Cup favourite.

“Maurus will get back in the field and will love a wet track,” he said.

“If the rain comes he’s the right horse, but if it stays dry he’s going to have to make a bit of a run and circle them.

“He still might be able to do it but $2.50 is more a wet track price for mine.”

Maurus isn't the only horse of interest in the Ipswich Cup for McLeod - watch his full preview of the race in the player below.