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Stable foreman Andrew Cahill with Be Afraid.

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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 today.

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, once on a slow track and undefeated in two starts in heavy ground. "She certainly handles those types of conditions," Shelton said. "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 2.8 lengths, behind 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 had the mare entered for the Gold Coast today 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, Shelton noting the change was through no fault of the lad's previous navigation.

Early markets have Be Afraid listed at $11.

Races to go ahead - conditions apply

The CRJC inspected the track late yesterday and decided to go ahead with today's meeting with some changes to avoid wet spots. Race 6 (1606m) will be scrapped altogether. Race 2 will be reduced from 1100m to 1000m. Races 3, 4, 5 will be reduced from 1406m to 1200m.

Further heavy rain could see the meeting abandoned.