"He actually pulled a shoe in trackwork last week and stood on a shoe," said Dickie.
"That meant he couldn't race last Friday but he was fine again by Saturday and he will be back to normal for this week.
"He will be ready for a spell soon but has improved in the second half of the season."
Motown's connections turned down a huge offer last week, undoubtedly prompted by his tremendous third in the Jewels.
Though the second line draw tonight negates his natural gate speed, Dickie believes he can still win.
"There is quite a bit of gate speed in the race and if they go hard our fella can keep running good late sectionals.
"So he can definitely win."
Shandale was disappointing by his standards as favourite in the Winter Cup last Friday but is probably more potent under tonight's 2200m mobile conditions.
Yet his wide draw could make things interesting if those inside him also have designs on the lead.
The Dickie stable also fancy their chances with Bronze Over in race six - the filly storming home from near last to finish a nose second in a similar race last start.
"She is a good filly and gets a better draw this time so we really like her."
Tonight's big trot sees Djokovic chasing a treble but facing a 20m backmark in career best form.
Trained and driven by popular Waikato doctor Luk Chin, Djokovic used to be an erratic leader but seems far more well-rounded in recent months, suggesting he can work his way to open class.
His problem tonight is he is now 20m worse off against the likes of front marker Gintaras than he was two starts ago, but more importantly with plenty of rivals between them.
But trotters in form are often a good bet so don't be surprised if he wins again.
