John Shelton is one trainer not complaining about the heavy track conditions at Ballina on Saturday.
The Grafton-based horseman will saddle up last-start winner Be Afraid in the Haymans Ballina Benchmark 50 Hcp (1255m) with Matthew Paget aboard.
A new stable acquisition owned by Ross O’Neill, the five-year-old mare, having her first start for the stable, ploughed through a heavy track to score an impressive half-length win in a Benchmark 50 event over 1000m at Murwillumbah on June 9.
“She loves wet tracks that’s for sure,” Shelton said.
“Since Murwillumbah she’s done everything right.”
Be Afraid, by Dangerous, had been in work with Shelton for a little over two months before her first-up win at Murwillumbah after a 19-week break.
The mare started at $7 and got under most people’s guard, but not the stable’s.
“The win didn’t surprise us,” Shelton said.
“We got her straight out of the paddock and she had trained on good.”
Shelton received a call out of the blue from O’Neill several months back.
“I think someone recommended me to Ross,” Shelton said.
“Be Afraid is a nice mare, easy to deal with.
“When she won at Murwillumbah she stormed home from last. It was a very good win. She got home strong.”
The one downside to the mare’s chances on Saturday centres on weight.
Handicappers have slugged Be Afraid four kilograms for winning in the same class last time out and she will carry 58kg.
“They (handicappers) haven’t missed her,” Shelton said.
“I’ve given up trying to figure out how the system works.
“Even with the weight increase, Ballina looks a nice race for her. The wet track certainly helps.
“The mare has trained on good.”
AAP TURF
