Shaune Ritchie hopes the controversy surrounding last Saturday's overly hard Trentham track doesn't cause an over-reaction for Wellington Cup day.

The Cambridge trainer has a hand in two rich features on Saturday, with Zurella aiming for her first Group One victory in the Thorndon Mile (1600m) and Military Move a leading fancy for the Group Two Wellington Cup (2400m).

But after the track ended up on a very firm (Fast) rating on the first day - causing several scratchings, including Telegraph Handicap favourite Cauthen - Ritchie is worried the track management team might over-compensate with their watering to avoid a repeat.

"I'm a little bit concerned the panic button might be pushed after last week," Ritchie told NZ Newswire.

"Both my horses need a good track and I'm hoping it doesn't get too slow."

Wellington Racing Club general manager Darin Balcombe said Trentham was at a Good 3 on Thursday afternoon and would be watered overnight.

The aim was for it to be at a Dead 4 on Friday, and it was expected wind and sun would get it to a Good 3 by the start of the races.

"We're not going to over-compensate, we're just looking to present the best track we can," Balcombe said.

Zurella has won at group level in both Australia and New Zealand but has yet to win at group one level.

Ritchie thinks the Thorndon Mile gives her a good chance, especially with 53.5kg.

"She's going really well, she likes a roomy track like Trentham and the stats show she runs very well left-handed," he said.

"It's not the strongest field she's ever run against and she's weighted to win."

Former NZ Derby winner Military Move has won twice since returning to Ritchie from Hong Kong and should run well in the Wellington Cup, though Ritchie says he has a big job with 59kg, giving 6.5kg to in-form mare More Than Sacred.