Wells was left with only one runner in the group 3 race when Rebel Bride's stablemate and the likely favourite Black N Tough was found to have swelling in her leg yesterday morning.

Rebel Bride will be on a quick back-up, after finishing third behind Road Trippin' and Jakcorijim in the $100,000 Thomas Lyons Stakes at Elwick on Friday night, but Wells is not concerned.

"Not at all - she pulled up well and has eaten up well since," the trainer said.

"It won't do her any harm to run again, then she can go for a break."

Rebel Bride finished a close third to Lady Lynette and Buzzing Along in the Vamos Stakes in 2012 then ran second, beaten a nose, behind 100-1 outsider Beautiful Buns last year.

"I think 1400 metres is as far as she wants to go but, having said that, she's twice been only narrowly beaten in this race so, hopefully, she can go one better this year," Wells said.

The Vamos has attracted only seven runners, with three of them - Rebel Bride, Miss Stellabelle and Isibaeva - standing head and shoulders above the others on handicapper ratings.

Meanwhile, Black N Tough's injury remains a mystery to her trainer.

"She worked well [Sunday morning] and was fine when I put her in her yard for the night," Wells said.

"But, the next morning, she had heat and swelling in her leg.

"Whether she's knocked it or been bitten by a spider, I don't know.

"It will take a couple of days to settle down, then we'll have it X-rayed and try to work out what caused it.

"At this stage, I don't think it is too serious."

Epingle on top

CORPORATE bookmaker Iasbet.com has already opened an all-in market on next week's Launceston Cup and, as expected, Hobart Cup winner Epingle is a short-priced favourite.

The Michael Kent-trained mare is at $2.80, with Chris Waller- trained Brigantin at $4.50 and last year's winner Geegees Blackflash at $6.

Others under $21 are Instrumentalist ($7.50), Surpass ($9), Gee Gees La Quita ($11), The Cleaner ($13) and Unchain My Heart and Magnapal ($15).

Weights for the race, which has 21 entries, will be released today.

Still on target

TRAINER James Rattray believes Beautide is still on target for the $750,000 Inter-Dominion final despite his shock loss in a heat at Menangle on Saturday night.

After working to the lead, Beautide, the $1.20 favourite, was run down by 60-1 outsider Seel N Print.

However, Rattray said that the Tasmanian star was the victim of a heavy section of track on the home turn.

He said he was unable to get away from the rain-affected patch because there was a horse on his outside and Beautide lost his momentum.

Shortly after, second favourite The Gold Ace ran to the lead but, once he got onto firmer ground, Beautide again got the better of that horse.

However Seel N Print flashed home to beat them both.

Beautide is still favourite for Sunday week's final at $3.60.

Class prevails

SHE'S All Class has been named Tasmanian greyhound of the year for 2013.

Owned and trained by David Crosswell, of Longford, She's All Class won 14 of her 21 starts and, at one stage, put together 11 successive victories.