Connections of UNiTAB $8 chance Belltone are expecting an improved run in today’s Group 3 $200,000 George Moore Stakes (1200m) at Doomben .

The Kelso Wood-trained six-year-old is going into the race second-up after a close up effort in the Listed Keith Noud Quality (1200m) at Eagle Farm a fortnight ago.

On that occasion jockey Chris Munce had the son of Brahms up close but he didn’t get a lot of room in the straight.

He ran on well particularly in the final 100m when fifth to Listen Son.

That horse has been scratched from today’s race along with Ollie Vollie and Tierqualo due to the heavy track conditions.

Belltone handles the wet ground well and from barrier five Wood is expecting more.

“Carrying 53kg and with the run under his belt he’ll be hard to beat,” Wood said.

“It was a good effort and it must be remembered he’s only won once when resuming.

“He’s improved a lot since then.”

Others who are expected to improve on wet ground include Ready To Rip and Essington.

Both also ran in the Keith Noud and finished strongly off a slowly run race.

Ready To Rip in particular likes it wet.

One who doesn’t according to trainer Tony Gollan is Spirit Of Boom.

“He gets through it okay but he prefers dry ground,” Gollan warned.

UNiTAB have made Essington the $4.50 fixed price favourite.

Trainer Robert Heathcote is confident Excellantes, second in the Keith Noud, can go one better.

“He is close to claiming a Group race,” he said.

“The draw is good and the light weight (53-1/2kg) are in his favour.

“I’m confident he can win.”

Gillian Heinrich‘s new addition Startsmeup handles the wet but like Spirit Of Boom is best on dry ground.

The race is on at 4.15pm Queensdland time.