17 June 2020 | Chris Barsby
Astute Sydney horseman Rickie Alchin has made his way north.
And he’s arrived in time for the much revised Queensland winter carnival.
But first, he’s undertaking his mandatory two week quarantine period before he can participate in any official racing action.
In recent years, the Menangle based conditioner has enjoyed solid success in the Sunshine State highlighted by his victory in the 2018 Gr.1 $100,450 Garrards Redcliffe Yearling Sales Series Final with Regulus.
“I look forward to campaigning in Queensland every year, obviously we have a few obstacles to deal with this time around owing to Covid-19 but I decided to get in now and do the quarantine so I can get to work. Most were hopeful the border would reopen sooner rather later but there were no guarantees so I decided it’s now or never.” Alchin said.
A large number of New South Wales stables are eager to head north but are waiting for the border restrictions to ease.
In preparation for his annual northern campaign, Alchin sent a pair of his talented performers north to local trainer Graham Dwyer.
Talented two-year-old trotter Aldebaran Selena commenced his campaign with an eye-catching effort yesterday (Tuesday) when fourth behind the unbeaten Okanagan.
Aldebaran Selena lost valuable early ground before running on strongly at the finish.
The Majestic Son filly will target the Springboard Trotting Series, the $15,000 Final is scheduled for July 31 at Albion Park.
Two-year-old pacing filly Regina Elena starts this Friday night at Redcliffe in a heat of the Garrards Redcliffe Yearling Sales Series.
The Roll With Joe filly has drawn gate four in the second heat (Race 8).
If the filly qualifies for the $100,000 Final which is scheduled for Saturday week, Alchin will take the drive.
“It looks a strong heat and this filly is still learning but she’s eligible and ready so we’re giving her a shot, if she qualifies that will be a good result.
“I like the trotter, obviously she’s done a bit wrong to date but the ability is there so hopefully the trip away will bring her on and she’ll improve.
“Once I’m up and going, I’ll rotate numbers around nine to twelve depending on results. I’d like to bring up Crunch Time for the South East Derby feature. I enjoy campaigning up here and hopefully we can have some luck again.”
Alchin will be based at Redcliffe during his stay.
Back in April, Racing Queensland advised the 2020 TAB Queensland Constellations Carnival will not proceed this year due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
However, with strict biosecurity measures currently in place, certain features will be staged over the winter months.
Features that will be staged include;
| Date | Race | Division | Track | Distance | Prize money |
| 27/06/2020 | Redcliffe Gold Cup | Open Disc Hcp | Redcliffe | 2613m | $25,630 |
| 11/07/2020 | Wondais Mate (Open) | Open Disc Hcp | Albion Park | 1660m | $21,160 |
| 11/07/2020 | South East Oaks | 3YO Fillies | Albion Park | 2138m | $50,660 |
| 11/07/2020 | Queen Of Hearts Pace | Open Mares | Albion Park | 1660m | $21,660 |
| 18/07/2020 | Mr Feelgood (Open) | Open | Albion Park | 2138m | $25,660 |
| 18/07/2020 | South East Derby | Open 3YO | Albion Park | 2138m | $50,660 |
| 18/07/2020 | Fleur De Lil Ladyship | Open (F & M) | Albion Park | 1660m | $25,660 |
| 18/07/2020 | Trotters Cup | Disc Hcp | Albion Park | 2647m | $21,270 |
| 25/07/2020 | Lucky Creed (Open) | Open | Albion Park | 2680m | $25,660 |
| 25/07/2020 | QLD Trotters Cup | Open (MS) Trot | Albion Park | 2138m | $25,660 |
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