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By Graeme White

The first month of the new racing season was one to for trainer Michael Travers for a number of reasons as he looks to build on his impressive statistics at Corowa on Tuesday.

Travers only recently retired from race riding after juggling both training and riding for a period of time.

He still rides several horses trackwork each morning which gives him a better indication of where each horse is up to.

It’s noticeable that Travers has taken to training instantly as his strike-rate of winners would suggest.

He has prepared nine winner from his past 50 starters winning doubles at Wagga on August 31 and again at Gundagai on September 9.

Travers also landed his first training quinella when Blessed Award beat stablemate Magical Slipper at Gundagai.

It will be only Magical Slipper ($2.30 favourite on TAB) who will represent Travers at Corowa in the Hazel Park Racing Fillies & Mares Benchmark 58 (1300m).

Magical Slipper, who will be ridden by Nick Heywood from barrier three, closed off strongly last start indicating to Travers that a win isn’t far off.

The mare, which is raced by one of his main clients Robyn Tatham, has raced four times for Travers and has produced her best over 1400m.

“Blessed Award is a pretty handy horse on his day and she got close to him at Gundagai so if she can run like that again she is a strong chance,” he said.

Smokin’ Cod was having her first start since May when a strong fourth behind Wild Irish Over at Wagga on August 31.

Her trainer Scott Spackman has a few strong winning hopes at Corowa with Yet Tobe A Cod ($2.40) the first race favourite in the Naughtin Development Group Maiden (1400m).

Fil will be second-up for the stable and with improved race fitness on his side for the Wilson Project Group Benchmark 58 (1300m).

The favourite Arthur The Great couldn’t not have been more impressive in his maiden debut win and is quoted at $2.10 on TAB.

Arthur The Great ran right up to his trial with a six lengths win at Narrandera and should again lead from a suitable inside barrier draw.