"There seems to be some mixed messages about when rain will arrive in Brisbane. It would be nice if it arrived on Saturday or even Friday," trainer Mick Bell said.
"But as long as the track isn't rock hard he should race well."
The Bjorn Baker-trained Egyptian Symbol was another to shorten from $20 into $16 after drawing barrier 10 but likely to start from a perfect barrier eight.
Counterattack remained solid at $8.50 after drawing barrier two while his Chris Waller-trained stablemate Macintosh, to start from barrier one, shortened from $11 into $9.
Hopfgarten and Hooked will have veterinary inspections today.
Young trainer Benjamin Smith said a wide draw (gate 17) could work in favour of talented mare In Her Time.
"She's a horse who doesn't like to be bottled up on the inside. From the chute we've got plenty of time to come across whenever."
Melody Belle has come up with barrier 9 of 15 in Saturday's group one JJ Atkins (1600m) at Doomben.
With two 1400m wins under her belt this campaign, the Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards-prepared filly looks ready to step up to 1600m in the A$600,000 feature.
The Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs-trained Qiji Phoenix has drawn widest in the 15-horse field.
The Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards-trained Shocking Luck has drawn the inside barrier for the A$600,000 Queensland Derby at Doomben. Opie Bosson will take the ride.
Mongolian Wolf has also drawn well with barrier 4.
Katie McKeen could be lining up for her last race at her home track at New Plymouth today.
The Gary McBeth-trained runner will be backing up after her disappointing run in the Wanganui Cup on Saturday.
McBeth said it may be her last race depending on how she runs, with a view to breeding from the eight-time winning mare this coming season.
- AAP, NZ Racing Desk
