Racing NSW programmed the eight-race card just last week to cater for the hundreds of horses in the State’s north that have missed out on racing because of wash-outs and ballots.

Armidale Jockey Club had 221 nominations and has been able to cater for 123 of them.

Shelton nominated 11 horses for the meeting and has gained a start for each of them.

“A lot of the horses going to Armidale haven’t raced for a month,” he said.

“Throw in the gallops they’ve missed through lack of grass training tracks and they’re all a run or two behind where I’d want them to be ... and the (Grafton) July carnival is only a fortnight away.”

Shelton will have four runners in the 1100 metres 2YO Handicap, including Suchabimbo and Darshan Joh, both placed at their only start.

Other coastal trainers well represented include Danny Bowen (eight runners), Ross Stitt (five) and Trevor Hardy (five).

Joe Janiak, currently in the UK with the champion sprinter, Takeover Target, will have three runners.

The 1100 metres Open Handicap sees the return of two smart gallopers in Instructed and Mr Gold Fire.

Instructed, a winner of three races in Brisbane, will have no easy task under 62.5kg from 11 alley.

Mr Gold Fire, a multiple cups winner on the coast, has to lump 61.5kg.

Entry is free to today’s meeting, which starts at 12.05.