Gratz Vella’s Chop The Ice went down by the slimmest of margins first up at Albury and looks a fantastic chance of going one better in this Friday’s TAB Federal (1080m).

The meeting marks the return to the synthetic Acton Track with 83 acceptors across six strong races. 

Chop The Ice was an impressive winner at his only go on the Acton Track, besting a quality field  including Gundy Guy. 

Trainer Gratz Vella said, He was good that day so he obviously likes the surface, he also led them up  that day, he’s very versatile.” 

“There is heaps of speed engaged on Friday so he’ll let them go fast in front and then be strong  late.” 

“The 1080m is probably a touch short for him at this stage but this race sets him up perfectly for a  race here in a couple weeks time.” 

Chop The Ice will carry the minimum with 55kgs and Damon Budler will take the ride. He is a horse  that Vella has always had a lot of time for. 

“He’s a quality horse and he has come back bigger and stronger this preparation, he’s going very  well.” 

Vella has a number of good chances on Friday’s Wests Rugby Club Race Day program with Good  Prize and Chasing A Quid engaged in the Maiden Handicap (1080m) and Benchmark 65 Handicap  (1280m) respectively. 

“Good Prize is on the quick back-up and was a little unlucky when second at Queanbeyan (on  Sunday, 12 May) and Chasing A Quid has been great this preparation and deserves another win.  

Friday’s Wests Rugby Race Day begins a seven-race meeting Acton Track season with racing to begin  from 1:06pm.