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By Graeme White

It has been 84 weeks since Brothers Of Antrim ($8.50 on TAB) last started with months of care and plenty of time finally seeing the galloper return to racing in the Raine & Horne Wagga Benchmark 66 (1000m) at Wagga on Friday.

The seven-year-old suffered a tendon injury which kept him in the paddock for well over a year before he was placed back into training.

Owners Kooringal Stud decided to give the gelding another try with trainer Doug Gorrel who also trains quality mare and Country Championships winner Asgarda for her breeders and other owners.

Asgarda is due to return to training this month and Gorrel is eagerly looking forward to that, but is also keen to see Brothers On Antrim back.

“He is a nice horse who is also by The Brothers War like Asgarda. He hasn’t had any problems since he came back and he has done plenty of work in preparation for his return,” he said.

“He may need a run or two to be right at his top, but I’m happy where he is at after one trial after such a long time off racing.”

Brothers On Antrim has won five of his 22 starts with his first-up record of three wins and a placing from five attempts giving his trainer some confidence.

“He wasn’t pushed about in the trial and has improved off it,” he said.

Favourite Perigean ($2) was an impressive last start winner at Canberra and is one of a few strong winning chances again for trainer Danielle Seib and jockey Pierre Boudvillain.

They also won with Bide Your Time ($2.40 fav for the Riverina Crane Services Class 1) on December 24 who was an acceptor for two other races at Wagga.

Seib landed her first winning treble at Wagga on December 24 and is nearing 100 career winners, while for Boudvillain it was his first treble in Australia.

It’s possible for them to again land a treble as they also have favourites Hellinda ($2.60) and Holy Hell ($1.60) starting on Friday. Boudvillain has only been riding for Seib in recent times after moving closer to Goulburn from his former base.

The topweight I Am Mamwaazel ($9) is first-up since August and has drawn wide, while Mighty Feat ($7) has been consistent of late and Oh No Mikki ($7.50) is capable of a forward showing.

Meanwhile, with nine winners from his past 50 starters and another double at Gundagai on New Year's Day, trainer Craig Weeding has a few solid chances again.

Ashau Valley ($5) in the Viewco Benchmark 66 (1800m) has won two of his past three starts while Marks Icon ($4) has taken victories at his past two starts, while Zontawah ($12), Celnado ($9) and Brohm Lake ($7) are other last start winners in the heat of the Wagga stayers series.

Saint Loft ($18) ran third behind Zontawah last time they raced over 1800m.

“He is due for a win. He is rising in grade and staying at the 1800 metres which is what he needs,” trainer Michael Travers said.

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