He has had three winners in the past two months.

But he knows he has tougher tasks ahead after Harness Racing Victoria's (HRV) regional model was revised on May 25.

South-west harness racing trainers were only allowed to take their runners to Terang and Stawell prior to that date because of the coronavirus restrictions.

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But now they can take them to Ballarat and Melton.

Meanwhile, July 1 is the target for metropolitan and feature racing to return according to HRV.

Cole took two horses to Melton on Saturday night and he's going to Ballarat on Thursday.

But his first assignment is Wednesday night's meet at Terang.

Exciteusrubycee has drawn gate seven in the opening race of the night.

The six-year-old pacer is coming off a win at Terang about a week ago and a victory at Stawell in April.

"She's drawn a bad gate and is up in class now from her last win," Cole said.

"It's going to be a hard task but really that's the driver's worry, not mine.

"I've got her fit and well."

James Herbertson, who led Exciteusrubycee to both her recent victories, has the drive again on Wednesday.

The bay mare has the hot form but Cole believes his other runner will be his team's best chance on the night.

Allwatfunjingles has gate nine in the 2180-metre race two.

The four-year-old claimed first about a fortnight ago at Terang.

"He's a nice little trotter, he's in a with a chance Wednesday night," Cole said.

"But he doesn't always trot at this stage, he's learning and is still very green."

It's otherwise been a busy week for Cole who owns the Wheatsheaf Hotel in Terang.

Pubs have been able to serve meals, with restrictions on the amount of patrons allowed, since Monday.

"We opened Monday night and had our maximum amount of people," he said.

The pub held a 18^th birthday dinner.

Before Monday, the hotel had been offering takeaway and bottle shop sales.

Cole said it was lucky the hotel offered takeaway before the coronavirus restrictions kicked in so it was better prepared for the situation.

While the pandemic protocols have made it tough for his business, Cole has had the opportunity to put some more time into his training.

His typically routine would be rise at 6am and work with his horses until starting at the hotel at 11am.

But because the hotel is only open for dinner, he doesn't need to rush away from his property.

Cole, who has been training on-and-off for 33 years, has enjoyed group two and group three success.

The 53-year-old, who has a stable of 10 runners, praised HRV for keeping the sport going safely during the coronavirus lockdown.

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