By MIKE DILLON
Predicted rain will dramatically change the face of the $15,000 Lindauer Special Reserve Handicap at Ellerslie tomorrow.
The only certain factor, though, is that it should not affect the chances of the favourite Bridie Belle.
The in-form Cambridge mare has a great record on rain-affected footing. But two dramatic face-changing moves will occur - Bridie Belle's stablemate Alleyrun will be scratched and last-start winner Society Beau will be left in the field, but his competitiveness will be downgraded.
"I have to leave him in because to have him fit for the Thames Valley Stakes he has to have a race," said Society Beau's trainer Mark Walker.
"I think he still holds the 1600m track record at Tauranga, so that gives you an idea of how he prefers the footing."
Co-trainer Colleen Wood said Bridie Belle has done well since her excellent fresh-up Fayette Park Stakes win.
Yesterday the Ellerslie track was rated at 3.4 and easy, a good result given the weather.
But heavy rain is forecast for today and tonight.
"At least we're starting from a half decent point, but the forecast is rubbish," said ARC racing manager Butch Castles.
Even with defections there are plenty of chances to oppose Bridie Belle.
As we saw at Ellerslie on September 25, Caballos can handle the real deep stuff, Kristov is so consistent he manages just about anything that is thrown at him and Cheetie, I Rock My World and My Lips Ar Sealed are right up to winning.
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