Of all the animals to pick from, promising young galloper Chop The Ice has an unusual attachment to his best friend.

Craig Williams has put behind him his sacking from Giga Kick to claim the opening race at Flemington.

Albury trainer Donna Scott is no stranger when it comes to qualifying a horse for the Newhaven Park Country Championships Final and she says any of her three runners have the credentials to represent the Southern Districts on April 1.

Albury trainer Donna Scott will play a strong hand in this weekend’s Country Championships qualifier.

You know it’s Country Championships time when the preview races start popping up around the countryside and Thursday’s Albury program will lead the charge.