What a weekend of racing we’re heading into with the Albury Carnival getting underway on Sunday.
We will have four runners for the meeting including Lautaro in the $150,000 NSW Country Championships qualifier.
We’re looking forward to seeing what Arthur Porrit can do in his second start.
Can Little Red Devil add to last weeks’ Towong Cup while Shelbyville is back in action although the big one for him will come on Friday.
Here are trainer Andrew Dale’s thoughts on his four runners.
Race 3 – Country Maiden Showcase – 1400m – $40,000
Arthur Porrit
Barrier 8 – Weight 58kgs – Jockey Nick Souquet
“Although still very green and immature physically I think this horse has a lot of potential. Nick Souquet rode him first up and he was keen to stick with him going into Sunday’s race. I think we will see an improved effort from the horse but whatever happens, there is a huge amount of upside with him still to come.”
Race 5 – Benchmark 60 Showcase – 1600m – $30,000
Shelbyville
Barrier 5 – Weight 56kgs – Jockey Brodie Loy
“Shelbyville has been set for the 2400m Adrian Ledger Memorial on Cup Day so to be a winning chance he probably needs something further. This coming Friday is his day.”
Race 6 – Albury Mile – 1600m – $40,000
Little Red Devil
Barrier 5 – Weight 54kgs – Jockey Simon Miller
“Little Red Devil has come back in terrific form this preparation. He’s a tough little horse who won’t have any problems backing up on Sunday after winning the Towong Cup last start. With his win last week he’s gone up four points in the ratings so we find ourselves in a much stronger race but we’re not going to let that bother us. He should be very competitive.”
Race 7 – SDRA Country Championships Qualifier – 1400m – $150,000
Lautaro
Barrier 12 – Weight 59kgs – Jockey Nick Souquet
“Although his record says he isn’t a 1400m horse he does have the capacity to sprint very well fresh and because of that I think he has a big chance in this race. I have had him set for this race from along way out and I’m sure he will give a good account of himself.”
