Now a nine-year-old, Sand Dune will kick off a new campaign over 1175m in a benchmark 60 handicap. The last of nine career wins was in the Griffith Cup just over a year ago. Albury will be his first start since July.

“He’s been an old champion, you wouldn't know he was nine to look at – he’s big and fat and shiny,” Weir said.

“He’s got a zest for racing. This is a long break for him, he usually only has a short spell. But his first couple of runs when he’s fresh he goes alright.”

A winner of Young, Corowa and Cowra Cups in his 78-start career, Sand Dune will be aimed at Tumut and Gundagai summer features. 

In contrast, the luckless but talented Cattledog Cod is looking for a fourth win in just eight starts in the 900m class three handicap.

“He’s pretty classy horse but he’s had a lot of problems,” Weir said. “He broke his leg during his first race ever and had to have pins and screws put in. Three runs a prep is his limit.”

The four-year-old won first up at Tumut over 1200m and is coming off a second to Forever Newyork at Gundagai in a $32,000 race (1180m) on Snake Gully Cup day.

For a horse who’s delicately managed in training, the drop in distance won’t hurt.

“You’ve got to manage him. We took him to Queanbeyan last prep and he won over 900 there in a class three,” Weir said.

“And he’s drawn a good barrier (one) which you really need in these short races.”