THE BORDER'S racing fraternity is buzzing with anticipation after slot holders locked in their choices for $1.3-million Koscuiszko.
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As expected, the Geoff Duryea-trained Front Page and the Mitch Beer-trained Redouble were snapped-up by slot holders shortly after the winners were announced on Wednesday.
However, trainer Donna Scott had to endure a sleepless night on Wednesday with no slot holders showing interest in her dual listed winner Lord Von Costa.
With only four spots remaining in the 14-horse field on Thursday, the odds of Lord Von Costa gaining a start were fading fast.
But Scott received the phone call she had been waiting for around 9.30am on Thursday.
"I didn't get much sleep on Wednesday night because I hadn't received a single phone call," Scott said.
"And I was nearly resigned to being a spectator for the race on Thursday morning when there were only four spots remaining.
"But thankfully I got the call I had been waiting for.
"When I got off the phone, it nearly felt like I had won the race, I was that excited.
"It is really a once in a lifetime opportunity for a country trainer to race in a $1.3 million race and I would have been devastated if the horse missed out.
"But I'm thrilled to bits now."
IN OTHER NEWS
In an incredible feat, border trainers will have three runners in the world's richest race for country trained horses.
Even more incredible is all three runners look genuine chances of taking home the $685,000 winners cheque.
Front Page is the $4.50-favourite in pre-post betting.
Lord Von Costa and Redouble are both considered $13-chances.
Former Albury trainer Brett Cavanough has Its Me ($11) and Fender ($15).
Fender was bred by Anne McHardy who is also on the Albury Racing Club committee.
Her partner John Tyrrell alongside close friends David and Sharon Ceglar all part-own the dual city winner.
The Koscuiszko is run at Randwick on October 17 alongside The Everest.
