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By Graeme White

Favourite Baggage Handler ($2 on TAB) is ready for his return to racing at Albury today after two impressive trial performances that have him right for action in the Vale John Spalding Benchmark 58 (1000m).

Baggage Handler ran second to one of the region’s best sprinters Sparring in his first trial before accounting for the talented Canny Hell in his second.

Wodonga trainer Craig Widdison said the time was now to convert impressive track work and trials into raceday success.

“He is one of the best horses in the stable – very fast and if he jumps well and lead then he will take plenty of catching,” he said.

Baggage Handler (Nick Soquet; red colours) leads the way at Benalla

“I believe he can measure up to better company and it’s just a matter of taking him along and seeing how he measures up.”

Jockey Nick Souquet has drawn in the middle of the 11-horse field in gate 6 after several scratchings have moved his starting position in by three spots.

The scratchings of Mighty Feat and Just Google Me, in particular, have made the task for Baggage Handler a little easier.

The Widdison stable captured another feature race on Sunday winning the Cowra Cup at its first attempt with Doogan’s Design.

The mare was ridden to victory by Wodonga-based jockey Brendan Ward who will line-up with a few rides at Albury with Ima Guru ($41) going up against Baggage Handler.

Trainer Andrew Dale has the race fit More Importance ($16) and Turnaquid ($12) racing in solid form with the latter winning two of her past three starts.

More Importance tried hard when second behind Warui at Albury last time out and has a win to his credit over Baggage Handler at Corowa last campaign.

Baggage Handler was beaten as a $1.35 favourite by More Importance when they last opposed each other in July. Baggage Handler was sent for a spell shortly afterwards and has since trailed impressively.

Father and son Vin and Shaun Nolen will line-up Divazou ($6.50) and Shoresy ($11) respectively in the last of seven races. Vin Nolen’s best prospect could be Dalhart ($4.80) which resumes racing in the Under 30s Membership Available Class 1 (1175m).

Dalhart won his maiden by four lengths at only his second start and is yet to miss a top four finish in four appearances.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Albury here