A noted wet tracker racing during summer and striking conditions to suit.
It’s an unusual situation but one which Grafton trainer John Shelton isn’t complaining about as he saddles up Be Afraid on home soil on Saturday.
The five-year-old mare, with Matthew Paget aboard, lines up in the Riverview Service Station Benchmark 50 Hcp (1406m).
Be Afraid has won three from 24 starts, one on slow and two on heavy which is the likely surface at Grafton.
“She’s had two goes on heavy tracks and won them both,” Shelton said.
“She certainly handles those types of conditions.
“It’s a tough little race but if it’s heavy as expected she comes right into it.”
Be Afraid has had two runs this campaign since resuming from a 104-day spell when seventh to Jessica’s Dream over 1000m at Coffs Harbour on December 30.
Last start, the daughter of Dangerous was doing her best work late when sixth, beaten 2-3/4 lengths by La Cavenne over 1010m at Ballina on January 10.
Shelton has mixed feelings with the step up to 1406m.
“I would have preferred something around 1200 to 1300 metres but she was doing her best work late last start and is looking for more ground,” he said.
“She’s drawn a touch awkward (barrier 10) but I don’t think you’ll want to be near the rails if it stays wet.
“Out in the middle might be the best place to be.
“The mare has trained on good. She looks fine.”
As a precaution, Shelton also has the mare entered for the Gold Coast but prefers to stay at home if possible.
Apprentice Anthony Allen, who won his first metropolitan race in Brisbane last Saturday, is replaced by senior stable rider Paget.
Early markets have Be Afraid listed at $11 in what is a wide open affair.
AAP TURF
