New acquisition Jenabel flies the flag for Burke in homecoming

Albany local Natalie Burke will saddle up her first runner in more than three months today when new stable addition Jenabel contests the Albany Stockfeeds Handicap (1500m), part of an eight-race card at Percy Spencer Racecourse.

Jenabel, a winner of four races and placed 11 times, was transferred to Burke's stable from Gingin trainer Ashley Maley.

Jockey Jerry Noske will partner the six-year-old mare, who jumps from barrier nine in her first start, for Burke’s small stable, that has relocated to her hometown.

Burke will be based in Albany until May before heading back up north, where she spent last year, training with plenty of success on country tracks.

Burke was confident her sole runner Jenabel could produce a race fresh this afternoon.

“She (Jenabel) is new to the stable but I’m expecting her to go well today,” Burke said. “She should be up there in the finish. I will just keep ticking along with her and hopefully she keeps getting fitter and wins a few races for me.”

Jenabel is among 12 runners in race seven, with the Steve Wolfe-trained Starorio likely to head the market.

Starorio won two in a row at Albany before a strong fourth place at Pinjarra Park last start.

Mr Pago, another Wolfe runner, and Luke’s Gold also loom as key chances after drawing well.

Burke’s stable will be headlined by former NSW galloper Volpe, formerly trained by Danny Williams.

Volpe has won four times, including twice at Randwick, and has collected more than $170,000 in prize money over 29 career starts.

“I have a couple of new horses in the stable, so I’m still trying to figure a couple of them out,” she said.

“All of the six horses are back in work now after being out for a spell; they are about five weeks back in work now.”

The first race at Albany will be run at 1.20pm today.