The promising gelding was beaten in race three by less than half a length by Ember, trained at Wagga by Wayne Carroll, to grab its third placing in as many starts.

Maher also wasn't far off the pace in the fourth race on the card (1000m) with Openhimup grabbing its fifth placing from six starts.

The three-year-old gelding was three lengths behind the Danny Williams-trained Double Wraps, while Albury trainer Donna Scott was second past the post with Steparound Gal.

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Fellow Wodonga trainer David O'Prey almost produced one of the upsets of the day with Madam Palmer ($26) beaten by a length in race six (1000m) by another Wagga trainer in Trevor Sutherland with Benno's Boy.

Meanwhile, Wangaratta trainer Dan McCarthy will be chasing back to back city wins with Yeldarb in the G.H Mumm Picnic at Flemington on Saturday.

The in-form five-year-old stormed to victory at Sandown last start and is rated an $8.50 chance after drawing barrier six.

Albury trainer Mitch Beer has Princess Cordelia set for the Class 3 Handicap at Randwick on Saturday.

The four-year-old mare won at Rosehill last November and looks to be returning to form after running third at Albury last start.

Princess Cordelia is at $15 in the market.