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By Mark Brassel

Albury trainer Rob Wellington is chasing a winning hat-trick with his vastly improved mare Altrove ($9 on TAB) at Corowa on Thursday.

Altrove will be lining up in the $27,000 Waldron's Super IGA Benchmark 58 Handicap (1400m) following impressive wins over the border at Wodonga and Kilmore.

“We were a bit worried stepping up to the 1400m on a heavy track at Wodonga, but she toughed it out well,” Wellington said.

Albury mare Altrove (Tyler Schiller) heads to the barriers at Rosehill Gardens. Image by Bradley Photographers

“It was a big win as a $30 shot kept poking through inside her and she was forced to work very hard throughout but kept going.

“Last start at Kilmore she gathered them in halfway down the straight and drew away.

“She’s a mare that had always shown us ability and her trackwork was first rate, but we became frustrated that she just didn’t seem to win.

“She did have an infection at one stage and wasn’t quite right, but she seems to have put that all behind her now.

“She’s fit and has strung together two straight so she’s turned the corner.

“The Corowa race looks perfect although she’ll probably get plenty of weight (60kg), but I suppose she deserves it.

“More than likely, we’ll book an apprentice (Ryan Bradley) to claim 4kg off the weight.”

Wellington will also be starting Super Sunny Seeya ($11 into $10) in the $30,000 Balldale Hotel Country Boosted Class 3 Handicap (1200m).

The gelding has finished fourth in two starts since a let-up at Wodonga (1100m) and Kilmore (1104m).

“He’s been getting back and finishing strongly so the extra 100m at Corowa should be more suitable,” said Wellington. "His runs can be a little mixed although he hit the line well at Kilmore last time.

“He made his run along the fence on the heavy track, and it wasn’t the place to be as the winner and second horse both came down the outside part of the course.

"Both my horses like wet surfaces so they’re likely to get conditions to suit at Corowa. All’s well with our team and we’re confident the pair’s ready to perform on Thursday.”

Corowa is currently rated a Soft 7 following 11mls of rain on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Sunday is Eden Cup Day at Sapphire Coast and a big day is planned with an epic kids’ play centre, a kiosk, bars, TAB and bookmakers, with free buses operating.

“Feature events are the $50,000 Super Maiden (1200m) and two $30,000 Country Boosted races,” said Jen Svenoy, Sponsorship & Marketing Manager for Sapphire Coast Turf Club.

“Our sponsors include South Coast Timber, Eden Sport & Recreation Club, Eden Tyrepower, Great Southern Inn Eden, Coachman's Motel Eden, South Coast Fish Processors and ARV Caravans.”

Muswellbrook Race Club also race on Sunday with their Bengalla Cup Day.

“We have free kids’ entertainment with Newcastle guitarist Chris Saxby playing,” said Kristie Corbett, MRC Executive Assistant.

“It will be a cruisy Sunday afternoon session with the main race the [$35,000] Bengalla Cup and two $30,000 Country Boosted races with entry $10 for adults and children free.”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Thursday: Corowa
Friday: Lismore
Saturday: Inverell, Macquarie picnics at Trangie (non-TAB)
Sunday: Sapphire Coast, Muswellbrook