Danny Williams will start Irish-bred stayer Marsabit in a race that also serves as a qualifying event for the $2m Big Dance at Royal Randwick in November.
"We've had an apprentice on him in his last few starts, and he has tended to race a bit fiercely," Williams explained.
"We're going to experiment with an experienced lightweight rider to get the horse to come back underneath him, so at this stage we're hoping for Quayde Krogh."
Marsabit will be having his fifth run back from a spell at Albury and coincidentally, the chestnut was fifth start back last campaign when he pulled off a long-priced coup by winning the Country Classic at Rosehill Gardens after being backed from $81 into $41.
"He is spot on now; he was just a bit fresh last time out and needed the run – he'll improve immensely from that effort."
Marsabit was taken off the track coming to the home turn but finished stoutly when fifth to Almania at Rosehill Gardens (1900m) on 11 March.
"He did a lot of work but to his credit, he hung on well for fifth," Williams said.
"We had wanted him to be running over 1900m to 2000m fourth up and the plan is to head to the Wagga Cup after Albury."
The two-day Albury Gold Cup Carnival carries $825,000 in prizemoney and commences on Thursday featuring the $75,000 Hutchinson Civil City Handicap.
Then on Friday, 'Freddie Mercury' will be entertaining the house on Albury Cup Day.
"Queen Forever is a Queen tribute band, and they will play on the main stage as well as four other local musicians and bands in corporate and public areas," said Steve Hetherton, Albury Racing Club's CEO.
"We will have a huge Fashions on the Field as well as food trucks and buses operating from Albury, Lavington & Thurgoona."
Support races for the Cup are the $80,000 Jayco Albury Guineas and the $75,000 Naughtin Development Group Flat Knacker.
Meanwhile on Saturday, four hours north will be Tullibigeal picnic races with a highlight the 'Golden Gumboot' foot race for humans after the last race.
"We have over $2000 in prizemoney up for grabs in the Golden Gumboot Foot and Fashions on the Field," said the Club's president, Craig Tyack.
"Our raceday is a family friendly event with a jumping castle, laser tag, face painting, children's foot races, children's Fashion on the Field and an ice cream van.
"For the over 18s they get to enjoy on-course betting, a full bar, BBQ, coffee van and live entertainment by Ben O'Kane.
"Thank you to our major sponsors Dunk Insurance, Frampton Flat Feedlot, O'Connors, Deano's Diggers, Tyack Racing, Ron Tyack, Elders Lake Cargelligo, Lachlan Agencies, PinnacleHPC, Richard Worner Transport, Riverina Livestock Agents and Wimmera Stock & Grain.
"It is due to the support of these businesses that our race meeting is such a success.
"There is camping available on site or at the nearby Tullibigeal Pioneer Park camping area and note there is no ATM available at the racetrack or in town so have cash ready.
"Join us for a family fun day celebrating country racing at its best at our 'Little Randwick in the West'!
UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Coffs Harbour
Tuesday: Ballina
Thursday: Albury
Friday: Albury, Wellington
Saturday: Port Macquarie, Tullibigeal picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Armidale, Wellington
