Caulfield trainer Nick Ryan has got fond memories of his time spent in Albury.
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Ryan was appointed stable foreman for trainer Brett Cavanough in 2010 and spent more than three years learning his craft with the stable before gaining his own trainers licence.
The former jockey spent about six months training in Albury before heading for the big smoke and basing himself at Caulfield.
He has slowly established himself as an astute horseman and is enjoying the best season so far of his fledgling training career.
Ryan will saddle-up race favourite Mahamedeis in the Albury Gold Cup and will make the trek to his former stomping ground.
"I loved my time in Albury and made some lifelong friends who have been very supportive of my training career," Ryan said.
"My old man BJ still lives in Corowa so I guess if I was lucky enough to win at Albury it would be similar to winning my home town cup."
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Ryan said it had been a long range plan to target the Albury feature.
Mahamedeis has had two starts since resuming in February including a midfield placing in the Group Two Blamey Stakes at Flemington over a mile at his most recent start.
"We targeted this race a fair while ago," he said.
"The plan was to have him ready to peak third-up which I think I have been able to do.
"A lot of good judges are saying the field is the strongest for about five years and it's hard to argue.
"Gai's horse Entente looks hardest to beat and will park on the speed.
"But my bloke is a genuine stayer and I thought his run in the Blamey Stakes was super so he commands a lot of respect in an Albury Cup."
Bookmakers agree with Ryan's assessment with Mahamedeis installed the $3.80-favourite..
Mahamedeis opened up an $8-chance when the market was first released on Wednesday but was quickly backed into $3.80 after a string of big bets on the gelding.
"I was a bit surprised to see that he went up at $8 and good luck to whoever got on at that price," Ryan said.
Ryan is leaving no stone unturned as he looks to add his name to the Albury Cup honour roll.
Mahamedeis galloped on the Albury track last Thursday before returning to his Caulfield stables.
"He has been set for the race and I couldn't have been happier with his hitout at Albury last week," he said.
"His work has been terrific since and he has really trained on since his run in the Blamey.
"When this horse is rock-hard fit and feeling well, he is very honest and rarely lets you down.
"I think only having to carry 58kg and giving those horses on the minimum 4kg is a big advantage."
Rhys McLeod will travel to Albury for the one ride.
