Hobby trainer Ashley Grace will look to the heavens and pray for rain ahead of the Golden City Motors Stayers Series Final (2200m) at Kalgoorlie on Sunday.
Grace will saddle Secret Glow who last fortnight struck form to score his first win this preparation when he finished strongly to defeat Black Tycoon and Kalahahni over 1760m.
“It was a very good win but on a dead five track,” said Grace.
“I don’t think we will be racing on that rating come Sunday.
“He has feet issues and appreciates a bit of give in the track.
“Our farrier Neville Sly works tirelessly to have him prepared for race day.
“His work since the win has been terrific and the further he goes in distance the better off he will be.”
Grace rates the George Grljusich-trained Kalahahni as the hardest to beat in the Golden City Motors Stayers Series.
“I thought Kalahahni was a little unlucky against Secret Glow,” said Grace.
“He appeared to shift out over the final few strides.
“They have met a few times this preparation and I’m confident they will be around the mark again.”
Secret Glow has finished ahead of Kalahahni in four of the five times they have met this season.
Peter Fernie, who last Sunday edged clear in the trainer’s premiership with a training double, has strong claims with Morsecodian and Defy Me.
Morsecodian, the likely frontrunner, is on the seven day turnaround after running second to Big Josh, Defy Me was close behind in third.
Morsecodian rebounded after finishing a distant last to Secret Glow; the rain affected surface may have contributed to his performance.
Paul Smythe’s Zubizaretta, unplaced behind Secret Glow in eighth position, is another who may have found the conditions tough.
It followed a top win over progressive mare Pattie Me Lass who franked the form with a Belmont Park victory last Saturday.
Zubizaretta, returning from a three year injury layoff, will only strip fitter at his fifth run this preparation.
Time For Black is searching for his first win in over four years since defeating Deed I Do over 1600m at Ascot in 2008.