Leading Dubbo trainer Clint Lundholm will be out to reboot the stalled career of his latest stable arrival at Monday’s feature home meeting.
Great Southernland, a lightly raced four-year-old by prolific sire Fastnet Rock, has his first run in two months since departing the Aiden St Vincent stable at Coffs Harbour bound for the NSW central-west.
Trainer Clint Lundholm, with daughter Allie, has taken the blinkers off lightly raced Great Southernland.Credit: Getty
Still chasing that breakthrough win ahead of his 13th start for a third stable, Great Southernland has frustrated connections since debuting for the Chris Waller yard at Kembla nearly two years ago.
Since then, the gelding has been placed five times, albeit often racing against tougher opposition and without much luck in the run.
And there remains a query over his ability to handle rain-affected ground, with nearly all his better efforts coming on firmer going. But with clearing weather ahead, the meeting could well start on a much-improved soft 6.
Great Southernland has reportedly been working strongly for his return in a very winnable Maiden Plate over 1020m, with experienced jockey Nick Heywood booked to ride.
Lundholm has taken the blinkers off and preferred not to officially trial the horse in an effort to have him nice and relaxed on race day.
And the early market certainly responded, installing him a clear $2.80 favourite ahead of Scone visitor Wicked Testimony at about $5.
Great Southernland is naturally part of a big team for the Lundholm camp, starting with improving four-year-old High Charge, who has been in and around the money all prep and rates a serious chance to finally break through in a maiden handicap over 1320m.