It’s not the scenario Cliff Brown originally envisioned, but the respected trainer will run both Honor Galore and Lady Di Di in the same race this Saturday at Moonee Valley—due to a combination of weather forecasts and tricky barriers.

The pair will contest the Western General Bodyworks Handicap (1200m) after being scratched from separate races during the Anzac Day weekend. Honor Galore had been bound for Adelaide’s Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes (1100m), while Lady Di Di was listed for the Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Inc Trophy (1400m) at Flemington.

“I think the seven (1400m) would have been OK for her, but the tempo has been against her at her last few,” Brown said of Lady Di Di. “I think she’s going OK, but she hates wet tracks and there is a mountain of rain forecast.”

With barrier 13 awaiting her at Flemington, Brown felt it was wiser to opt for gate four at The Valley, even if the 1200m trip is short of her ideal distance.

As for Honor Galore, she’s coming off a sixth at Cranbourne over 1000m after winning first-up at the same venue. Saturday marks her first attempt at 1200m this prep, a distance where she has twice been placed in the past.

“I had a good look at Adelaide, and it was probably too strong,” Brown said. “Getting back up to 1200 metres, I don’t think that will worry her now.”

Now all Brown is hoping for is a break in the forecasted rain, with 20mm possible on Friday and more to come Saturday—something neither mare would appreciate.