One horse, one win for Brett

Cavanough’s only runner for the day, Mr Sunset, took full advantage of a drop in weight and soggy conditions to claim the $9000 Benchmark 65 Hcp (1400m) — the six-year-old’s first win since 2008.

Rain-lover Rustie Bugles was 1?-lengths away second with Famiglia Ruby in third.

Mr Sunset ($12) had never won on slow or heavy prior to Saturday but Cavanough had no doubt the slow (7) track played in the Strategic gelding’s favour.

“I think he’s been jarring up in his last few starts so the sting out of ground probably helped and he enjoyed a bit of weight relief,” Cavanough said.

“He’s always shown potential ... hopefully he’s ready to go on with it this time and win a couple from here.

“I have him pencilled in more for the country cups but I can’t get him in one with the tracks as hard as they are at the moment.”

For Cavanough, it was the first time the SDRA premiership trainer had crossed the road with just one runner since the same meeting last year.

On that occasion — Black Saturday — the meeting was abandoned due to scorching temperatures.

“One runner, one winner; it was nice,” Cavanough said.

“I don’t know the last time I did that at Albury but it’s certainly a rarity.”

Cavanough will head to Wellington in the Central Districts association on Thursday with up to five gallopers, including first start winner Imbolc and last start Canberra winner Crown Seal.