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By Graeme White

Defending Hutchinson Civil City Handicap winner Flying Sultan will complete a remarkable return to racing if he can capture the feature sprint race for the second time on Thursday.

Flying Sultan has raced twice since last March failing to beat a runner to the finish, but a lengthy spell and an impressive trial this campaign has boosted the confidence of trainer Mitch Beer and his owners.

The six-year-old has also won three of his four starts at Albury and Beers remains upbeat in the first of the main races over the two-day carnival.

Flying Sultan (Angus Villiers) in winning touch at Kembla Grange. Image by Bradley Photographers

“He had an infection and was pretty crook. He has had a big break after those two starts which were terrible but there was an excuses for it as we found out,” he said.

“The spell and giving him time to get over it has done the trick. His trial was terrific and with a top jockey on board (Teo Nugent) on a track he loves I expect him to be right in it again.”

Beer was also contemplating starting stable star Mnementh but when he received 66kg decided against it.

Beer has won two of the past three editions of the City Handicap (1175m) with Mnementh successful in 2022.

Former SDRA premiership-winning trainer Brett Cavanough has accepted with Two Ya Got who has drawn one spot in from the outside alley which will be filled by Laurel Hill if she starts.

Reigning Country Championships winner Asgarda will have her first start back after only starting four times last preparation which included a first-up win at Wagga.

“She is right to go first-up and her work and everything has been spot on,” trainer Doug Gorrel said. “She always gives her all and she couldn’t be any better at this stage – she is right to go.”

Sparring is unbeaten in four starts at Albury winning the past two runnings of the Flat Knacker over 900m as opposed to the 1175m of the City Hcp.

He has drawn ideally in gate two and with the benefit of the home track and having had three starts this campaign he should be right in the finish.

The gelding hasn’t been far away in three metropolitan starts and has a lot in his favour despite having 62kg.

The top weight with 62.5kg after the scratching of Marble Nine is Sir Davy who finished third at his latest start in the El Dorado at Echuca.

Gundy Guy has gained a start as the first emergency and last start Wagga winner Dupride Star is also likely make the starting line-up as the second emergency.

Wagga Country Championships runner-up Burrandana could also be there as the third emergency as trainer Peter Morgan looks to give him another start before his main assignment in the $1 million feature at Randwick on April 5.

Canny Hell, which won the regional qualifier, is in the City Handicap from barrier seven with Cory Parish booked for the ride after he received 55.5kg.

“Everything has gone according to plan since his win. It will be a tough race on Thursday as it’s a very strong City Handicap,” trainer Kym Davison said.

Trainer Matthew Hahne will saddle up his first feature race runner with Patchouli Dream. Hahne has only started several horses since gaining his licence and is searching for his first winner.

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