Pretty Good Excuse will have to overcome the worst of conditions today if she is to defend her Hokitika title.
Trainer Andrew Carston said he couldn't be happier with the mare's condition ahead of the Miss Scenicland Stakes, but one factor outside of his control has him concerned.
"She's as good as I can have her, but it's going to be a very, very heavy track and that's the only worry I have.
"There's got to be a bit of doubt - I've never seen the track like it is. It's gone way past a heavy 11 and it's going to be very much the survival of the fittest."
Pretty Good Excuse comes into the race in fine form with two wins from her last three starts, including a most recent front-running victory in an open handicap at Riccarton.