Has it rained yet?They were the first words uttered by trainer Bryce Revell on his arrival with Kiwi mare Ekstreme on Wednesday for their Group One Doomben Cup bid.Revell, a former jumps rider who won the 1994 Great Eastern Steeple at Oakbank on Touch Judge, is on his second trip to Queensland with Ekstreme and wants a rain-affected track for Saturday's 2020-metre feature.While the rain gods haven't yet smiled on Revell, the weather forecast is in his favour with light rain expected to develop o

Has it rained yet?

They were the first words uttered by trainer Bryce Revell on his arrival with Kiwi mare Ekstreme on Wednesday for their Group One Doomben Cup bid.

Revell, a former jumps rider who won the 1994 Great Eastern Steeple at Oakbank on Touch Judge, is on his second trip to Queensland with Ekstreme and wants a rain-affected track for Saturday's 2020-metre feature.

While the rain gods haven't yet smiled on Revell, the weather forecast is in his favour with light rain expected to develop on Friday before clearing on race day.

Revell made his first trip to Brisbane with Ekstreme and stablemate Kovak for last year's winter carnival.

Ekstreme was aimed at the Group One Queensland Oaks (2400m) at Eagle Farm but managed only sixth to the Peter Snowden-trained Purple after running a mighty race in her Australian debut when runner-up to Awesome Planet in the Group Three Doomben Roses (2020m).

The daughter of Ekraar subsequently won twice during the summer back in her homeland, including the Group One Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham in December.

She struck immediate form following a freshen-up last month to confirm a Doomben Cup start with a commanding victory in the Group Two Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on May 1.

Revell, 40, who has 18 years training experience, worked as a breaker for several years in Japan before returning to New Zealand to take up training.

"I told my wife we were going to Japan to work as a breaker for three months but we ended up staying two and a half years," he said.

Ekstreme, a $35 chance in the Doomben Cup with TAB Sportsbet, has drawn barrier nine and Revell dearly wants rain to boost her prospects.

Hollindale Stakes winner Metal Bender remains the firm $3 favourite after drawing gate seven in the 13-horse field.

"The Doomben Cup is her main mission but we'll be hanging around here for some of the other staying races," Revell said.

"It's not a bad place to be for the winter and there's plenty of races for her in Brisbane.

"I'd like some rain for the Doomben Cup. She loves the cut out of the ground."

Kiwi rider Jason Waddell rode Extreme in her Travis Stakes victory and has been retained for the Doomben Cup.

"Opie Bosson rode her last year in the Doomben Roses and Queensland Oaks but I rate Jason just as good," Revell said.

"It's been a big year for him and he's ridden a couple of Group One winners back home this season."

Ekstreme returned to New Zealand following a luckless two-race Easter campaign in Sydney where she was soundly beaten at Group One level in the Coolmore Classic (1500m) and Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.

Blake Shinn rode her in the Coolmore while Waddell took over when she finished sixth in the Queen Of The Turf.

"I haven't had a winner in Queensland yet but I'm looking forward to it with Ekstreme," Revell said.

"Her win in the Travis Stakes was just super.

"She pulled up well after the race and she's improved further. She's still on the way up."