Noel Mayfield-Smith is in the enviable position of having runners in the final two Group One races of the Sydney autumn carnival but the trainer admits track conditions will play against one of them.

Proven performer Famous Seamus runs in Saturday's All Aged Stakes (1400m) but dislikes the wet while the emerging Reckless Russell pulled out a surprise third in the Fernhill Handicap on heavy ground to earn a place in the Champagne Stakes (1600m).

As a $101 chance, Reckless Russell came from well back in Saturday's Fernhill field to get within 2-3/4 lengths of The Barrister who will also back up in the Champagne.

"I wouldn't normally back a horse up so quickly but the top horses aren't in the Champagne," Mayfield-Smith said.

"Maybe it's time for a new superstar.

"He handled the wet but Famous Seamus doesn't show his best on it."

After a few dry days, rain is expected in Sydney later in the week.

The Champagne is the final leg of the Sydney two-year-old triple crown with Golden Slipper winner Vancouver and Sires' Produce winner Pride Of Dubai already resting ahead of their spring preparations.

"Reckless Russell has always shown above average ability and the jockeys who have ridden him said he just needed to get into a race over ground," Mayfield-Smith said.

"His work before the Fernhill was very good and he finds the line strongly."

With Jay Ford unable to get a release from his commitments at Kembla Grange to ride Reckless Russell and Tim Clark jumping ship from Famous Seamus to Shooting To Win, the trainer has been forced to find new jockeys.

"Kerrin McEvoy will Ride Famous Seamus and Jimmy Cassidy goes on Reckless Russell so they are two pretty good substitutes," Mayfield-Smith said.

Both rode Group One winners on Saturday with Cassidy claiming the Sydney Cup on Grand Marshal and McEvoy riding Amanpour to victory in the Queen Of The Turf.

The prospect of wet tracks in Brisbane concerns Mayfield-Smith who will decide after the All Aged whether Famous Seamus defends the Group One BTC Cup three weeks later or has a break ahead of the spring.

Both Famous Seamus and Reckless Russell are owned by long-time stable clients Jim and Janice Simpson who bred the latter from their mare Valerina.