REBECCA Brown is counting on driver Mitch Reese to deliver a winning drive at the Albury trots on New Year’s Eve.
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Experienced pacer Holy Camp Clive looks to be a chance in the race five Black Dog Antiques and Second Hand Goods Pace, but has to contend with on outside run from the front row.
Aided by the scratching of it’s biggest competitor, group one winning mare She’s A Runa, Brown said it would take a mighty effort to ring in the new year with a win.
“A lot of mine have been drawn a little awkwardly, it’ll be a challenge,” she said.
“But Clive is a classy horse, he certainly has the ability to get the job done from the position he’s in.
“He’ll need an absolutely cracking drive to get up.”
Brown was more than happy to back Reese in to get the job done though.
“I’m glad he’s driving him and not me,” she laughed.
“Clive will definitely be our best hope, but he’ll need a bit of luck.
“There’s some nice horses in his field, it’s pretty even.”
Clive isn’t Brown’s only hope on Thursday night, with June’s Legacy in race three and Elroy Jetson in race four, with the latter also a chance from out wide.
Thursday night will also be a special night for Brown.
“It’s likely to be our last meet at Albury,” she said.
“I’ll be heading back up to Sydney after about three years down here.
“We wanted to have a go at it down here and it went really well.
“I’m a Sydney girl through and through, but it’ll be a little bit sad to leave.
“New Year’s at Albury is always a little bit special, and this one will have that little bit extra to it.”
Albury Harness Racing Club president Sue Van de Ven said the event was shaping up nicely.
“The weather is going to be on our side by the looks, with the sun going down around 4:40 or 5 o’clock,” she said.
“We’re expecting at least three or four thousand through the gate, at least.
“I’ve had plenty of enquiries come through about it from people who have never been before as well.
“It’s a family friendly event, it’s inexpensive, there’s plenty of room to move around.
“There’s plenty of stuff for the kids to do, the mini-trots are on and there will be music in between the races as well.”
The final race of the night will be held at 11:05, giving trainers plenty of time to move their horses away from the Showgrounds before the fireworks display kicks off.
The eight-race card is offering $57,000 in prizemoney for the night, with tote and bookmakers available.
Gates will open at 5 o’clock, with the first race commencing at 7:04pm.
