Trainer Cliff Brown admits it wasn’t his first preference to run both Honor Galore and Lady Di Di in the same race, but circumstances have led to the stablemates clashing in Saturday’s Western General Bodyworks Handicap (1200m) at Moonee Valley.

Initially, both mares were set to race in separate events across the Anzac Day weekend. Honor Galore had been entered for the Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes (1100m) in Adelaide, where she was to accompany Scintillante, a runner in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (2000m).

Lady Di Di, meanwhile, was engaged for the Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Inc Trophy (1400m) at Flemington on Friday. However, both mares were withdrawn from those assignments and redirected to The Valley.

“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.”

Brown added that barrier 13 at Flemington was far from ideal, while gate four at Moonee Valley presents a better tactical opportunity.

Honor Galore steps back up to 1200m after two recent 1000m runs, including a first-up win at Cranbourne and a sixth at the same track last time out.

“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.”

She has placed both times she’s been tested over 1200m, including at Sandown and most recently at Caulfield Heath last November.

With rain looming over Melbourne across Friday and Saturday, Brown’s only wish now is for the weather to hold out so both mares can show their best.