Come Thursday, that special feeling could return as harness racing hits Armidale.

Faulkner has three runners from his own stables engaged to contest the Tamworth@Armidale harness meeting.

He will also be taking two outside drives for Narrabri trainer Jarred Hetherington.

For one of Faulkner’s geldings, back-to-back wins are on the cards.

Cronin will race from the seven barrier in the Armidale HRC Committee Appreciation Pace on the back of a win at Maitland last Friday night.

“It was a huge effort from being last to go around the traffic and win,” Faulkner said of Cronin’s Maitland win.

In a close finish – and on the back of a blistering run down the home straight – Cronin grabbed race leader Whatta Conk (Peter Hedges) on the line for a short half-head win.

“I think he [Cronin] is in with a good chance at Armidale,” Faulkner added.

“He has the same draw as Maitland so all we have to do is hope for luck.”

Cronin will also have stablemate Monteri Bay to contest with.

Monteri Bay has drawn the eight barrier with Queensland reinsman Brendan Barnes taking the drive for Faulkner.

“It is his first run back from a spell,” Faulkner said of Monteri Bay.

“Just hope he goes around without any trouble.”

Mouse Under Fire will start the day’s racing off for the stables in the opening event – the TAB.com.au Pace.

“He is looking to have his first race start,” Faulkner said of the Courage Under Fire gelding.

“He came to us from Sydney and it is a good draw for a first start.”

Mouse Under Fire has drawn the four barrier in the 1609-metre race.

Faulkner will then switch his attention to the Hetherington stables where he will partner Million Dollar Mac in the Jackson Quality Meats Armidale Pace.

“That is a tough draw for him – I think he will find it tough going with that draw,” he said.

Million Dollar Mac has drawn the six barrier.

The little Padrisimo will then take his position in the Sky Sports Radio Pace from the 11 barrier and is chasing three wins on the trot.

Faulkner drove Padrisimo to a win at Armidale back on October 4.

“He is a little pocket rocket,” Faulkner said.

“I won on him last start – he is looking for three on the trot.

“I have always liked the horse – he raced in Group races in Melbourne as a youngster. I think I will be a chance if the speed is on.”

With the Tamworth harness meetings transferred to the Armidale Paceway while works are carried on the stabling and officials area at Tamworth, Faulkner is keen to be racing at home.

“It’s always nice to only travel 20 minutes to the races,” he said.

“Armidale is always a good track and it is good racing. We could probably handle extra meetings up here.”