Damien Winn has strong hopes You Buddy Beauty can have an impact in the Country Challenge Heat (1200m) at Albany on Thursday.

The Ascot trainer is expecting an improved performance from the four-year-old after a disappointing effort at Pinjarra two weeks ago.

You Buddy Beauty was in second position when nearing the corner and travelling comfortably before fading to finish fifth of 14 to Crown Of War.

Win admitted he expected more from You Buddy Beauty after he ran a sound third to Jaja Saab on his return from a spell at Belmont.

“I thought he was entitled to finish the race better than what he did,” said Winn.

“He has a few tricks this horse and there is only so much work he can take.

“I’ve kept him fresh and lightened his work since.

“Drawing well on the inside and a 5kg weight drop are obviously going to be in his favour.

“I’m confident he can play a part and I’m certainly not driving to Albany for the scenery.”

You Buddy Beauty will step from gate one and carries 52kg with the claim of apprentice jockey Ellie Cockram.

The bay gelding has one win and three placings from six starts and led all the way when breaking his maiden status at Pinjarra earlier in March.

Winn rates the Steve Wolfe pair of King Cubator and Stone Boy as the biggest dangers to You Buddy Beauty.

“Stone Boy is an improving type who scored a good win at Mount Barker and King Cubator can’t be discounted dropping back in distance,” said Winn.

“And don’t leave out Russian Rouge who is a big chance if she is at the top of her game.”

Traxa lines up in the Southway Distributors Handicap (1500m) after posting an easy win at Mount Barker’s opening meeting.

The former Perth mare, now in the hands of Paul Hunter, was never in danger as she skipped away to win by a dominant three lengths.

Despite a rise in grade and a wide draw in barrier ten, Traxa will attract strong support to make it two wins from as many starts.

“I can’t fault her form and she has quite a bit of talent,” said Hunter.

“This race is a little tougher but she has trained on well since her previous win.”

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