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Devonport trainer Leon Wells has lost one of his two contenders for Wednesday night’s $125,000 Vamos Stakes at Mowbray after his in-form mare Black N Tough suffered a mystery setback.

Wells will rely on only Rebel Bride in the feature Group 3 event for fillies and mares after Black N Tough was found to have swelling in a leg on Monday.

"She worked well on Sunday but the next morning she had heat and swelling in her leg,” Wells said.

Wells suspects she either knocked the leg or was bitten by a spider.

“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."

Wells will now be hoping it will be third time lucky for Rebel Bride after placings in the 1400m race in 2012 and 2013.

Rebel Bride finished third to Lady Lynette and Buzzing Along in 2012 then was beaten only a nose by the 100-1 chance Beautiful Buns last year.

Rebel Bride, who has taken over from the now retired Lady Lynette as the best performed mare racing in Tasmania, is facing a quick back up from last Friday when she finished third behind Road Trippin' and Jakcorijim in the Thomas Lyons Stakes (1400m) at Elwick.

"She has pulled up well and has eaten up," Wells reported.

"She's twice been narrowly beaten in this race so hopefully she can go one better this year.”

Rebel Bride will be facing only six rivals with the former Gai Waterhouse-trained mare Miss Stellabelle and Bow Mistress Trophy winner Isibaeva looming as her toughest opponents.

Rebel Bride finished only fourth in the Bow Mistress (1200m) at Elwick on February 2 behind Isibaeva.

Miss Stellabelle, having her first Tasmanian start for the Charlie Goggin stable, finished second.

Craig Newitt has replaced Nash Rawiller as Miss Stellabelle’s rider.