KEY POINTS:
Even the heavy rain in Melbourne yesterday couldn't wipe away the smile worn by the connections of top New Zealand mare Seachange.
Particularly after a midday forecast came through for fine weather today and tomorrow.
Yesterday morning Seachange worked in the rain at Flemington where tomorrow she makes
her Australian debut in the A$502,000 ($575,000) Myer Classic.
She galloped solo on the all-weather track, which she managed exceptionally well.
"We all know she doesn't handle rain-affected tracks, but she did what she needed to on that track and did it well," enthused trainer Ralph Manning.
"She's done all the work she needs to do and she's ready."
The Cambridge trainer has Seachange stabled on the rural Romsey property of owner Dick Karreman, one hour out of Melbourne, and the team set out for Flemington at 4.30am yesterday.
"It's a magnificent set-up," says Karreman's racing manager Rick Williams. "It's just like New Zealand and it's the only green spot I've seen in Victoria since I've been here."
Melbourne is experiencing a severe drought and yesterday's rain was welcomed by most - even the Victoria Racing Club.
Flemington is one of Australasia's best drying tracks, the downside of which means the VRC has to regularly irrigate at enormous cost.
"With a good forecast, all the rain means is that the VRC will save in not having to water for a day," said Williams.
One of the keys to the chances of Seachange tomorrow is the drop back to 1600m from the 2040m of the Kelt Capital Stakes last start.
Rider Gavin McKeon is adamant Seachange will manage distances around 2040m in a year's time, but is equally sure her inability to stretch to a middle distance at the moment is what beat her in the Kelt.
Tomorrow will not be easy - she faces a challenge from the all-powerful David Hayes team's topline mare Rewaaya who, despite a shaky record to start with, is rated alongside any of the horses Hayes trains.
"It might help us get a price," said Williams.
Bookmakers have Seachange at $7 for the Myer behind Rewaaya at $3 and Devine Madonna at $6.
Seachange's No 2 barrier is perfect.
Miss Andretti is the $3.2 favourite for the A$502,000 Salinger Stakes ahead of Fast'N' Famous at $5 and Natural Destiny on $6.
New Zealand mare Gee I Jane, making a fresh start, is quoted at $15 and has drawn barrier one - a gate most trainers dream of.
While that may sound impressive, 1200m races at Flemington are run along a straight course and barrier one is more of a lottery than anything else.