The Wodonga trainer will saddle-up Avril Star in the Holbrook Cup, and the mudlark will thrive in wet conditions.

Avril Star has had two starts this preparation after a nine-week let-up and has finished out of the placings both times.

Aalbers said Avril Star could improve sharply tomorrow on the limit weight and would only carry 52 kilograms after the two-kilogram claim of apprentice jockey Ant-hony Boyd.

“I’m doubtful the meeting will go ahead after yesterday’s rain but I’m keen to race him if it does,” Aalbers said.

“He has only got 52 kilograms and there could be a few scratchings with the rain which will further enhance his chances.

“I still have a bit of trouble getting his feet right but they are pretty good at the moment.

“He has drawn barrier 12 but we will go forward from the draw — especially when he has got nothing on his back.

“He shouldn’t be far away from them at the finish.”

Aalbers will also saddle-up Prairie Gold and Missionary Man and said both gallopers would run “cheeky races” after racing in much stronger company at their previous start.

The $11,000 feature has attracted one of the strongest fields in recent times with some handy gallopers in top-weight Sonro, Tumut Cup winner Mineral Deposit and Towong Cup winner He’s An Angel.

Sonro, Tramuntana and Control Agent could be late scratchings if the track is rain affected with no proven wet track form.

Club president Susie Finlay said she had her fingers crossed the meeting would go ahead.

“I’m not religious but I’ve got my fingers crossed and praying the rain goes away,” Finlay said.

Gates open at 11am with the feature race to be run at 4.15pm.

Lodges Bus Service will provide transport from both Albury and Culcairn.