The former Harden horseman is enjoying his finest season and will look for that to continue at the lucrative Albury carnival.

Dantains Spirit will tackle some of the speediest horses in country NSW and Victoria in the $50,000 Flat Knacker (900m) on Friday.

Harden’s Stephen Campbell is manager of the syndicate that races Dantains Spirit.

Dantains Spirit finished ninth in the $100,000 Country Championship Heat (1400m) at Wagga last start but Heywood is happy to drop the mare back in distance on Friday.

“I’m looking forward to putting her in that,” Heywood said.

“I was nearly not going to put her in the Championships and go for that instead.

“It’s going to be a tough one, there is a few that go alright.

“No matter what she does she will be going to the paddock afterwards.”

Heywood’s other leading contender at Albury is High Opinion in the Class One & Maiden Plate (1600m) on Thursday.

“I think this is an ideal race for him,” Heywood said.

“He’s just got to get the right run in the race.”

Heywood’s son Nick will take the ride on High Opinion, who will be aided by his two kilogram claim.

There will be plenty of Harden interest in Heywood’s two other runners at the carnival.

Clangstars Ace, owned by Bob Manwaring, will resume from a long lay-off in a Class Three Handicap (1400m) on Friday.

Sketch It, owned by Dave and Sharon Spackman, will debut in the 3YO Maiden Plate (1000m) on Thursday.

Meantime, Combine continued his return to top form with a win in the Ardlethan Picnic Cup last Saturday.

Backing up from a last-start win at Tumut, Combine proved too good in the $6500 Ardlethan Picnic Cup (1600m).

Trained by Heywood at Wagga, Combine was ridden to victory by top picnic rider Tim Phillips.

Combine ($2.80) edged out Exchancellor by a half length.

There was a further six lengths to Mr Sommerville back in third.

Scott Spackman was also successful with Its Not Your Fault ($3.00), while Trevor Sutherland claimed a winning double.