The Mountain is expected to start a short-priced favourite in the Albury Wodonga Kitchens NR45 Pace (1770m) at Albury Showgrounds.

The son of Warrawee Needy has won four of his first seven starts and is headed towards the $50,000 True Blue for two-year-old colts and geldings at Menangle on Saturday week.

Woodhouse expects the feature at Menangle to be a nice option for The Mountain.

"I'll just go to the Blue and that will do him for this year," Woodhouse said.

"You never know until you go down there but the Blue is usually a fair step down from the Breeders Challenge. I think he was a fair way off the good ones but there is a really strong crop this year."

The Mountain finished sixth and third in his two heats of the NSW Breeders Challenge in September. He stepped out for the first time since at West Wyalong last Sunday week when a strong winner in a mile rate of 1:58.4.

The Mountain has come up with barrier eight and the Wagga trainer-driver does not expect too many issues from his second row draw.

"He gets in the race really nice and it keeps him race fit, that was the idea," he said.

"They can always get beat but he looks well-placed on paper. I hope he does everything right and has a nice trip. The main thing is some race fitness for the next run."

While taking on older horses again, The Mountain only faces two opponents, A Good Ideal and Rocky Floyd, that have won at their past five starts.

The six-race TAB card will mark the return of crowds to Albury Paceway for the first time since March.

President Sue van de Ven said having crowds back at the paceway was a promising sign ahead of its highly popular New Year's Eve meeting.

"We are grateful that crowds are allowed back on course and it's another step closer to things getting back to normal," van de Ven said.

Patrons wishing to attend the meeting are required to text the club their name and contact details to 0408 698 380.

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