By John Schell
Dubbo trainer Brett Robb will make the trip to Gilgandra on Sunday with some key contenders in a few races set to represent the stable at the feature Cup meeting.
Robb will open the day when Partly Cloudy, ridden by Shayleigh Ingelse, and Madecci, to be partnered by Clayton Gallagher, contest the Kelly & Astil Regional Lawyers Len Kelly Memorial Maiden Plate (1100m).
Gilgandra will host an eight-race meeting on Sunday.Credit: Fairfax
“Partly Cloudy is on debut and has had two trials to prepare for his first start,” Robb said.
“His latest trial was good, and he looks set to run a good race.”
Madecci has been racing in the Australian Bloodstock colours and is an Exceedance gelding. He is having his first start for Robb, having previously been trained by Kris Lees and unplaced in all four starts.
“While he hasn’t figured in the placings yet, he has shown his share of ability and the race on Sunday looks a nice one for him,” Robb said.
Robb will have another two runners in the Paint N Plus & CC’S Dental Surgery Class 2 Handicap (1200m). Ingelse will partner Charlie Magic while fellow apprentice Leeshelle Small will ride Press Forward.
“Charlie Magic has only had five starts and has won two of them,” said Robb. “His wins at Narromine and Dubbo have both been good and he can go on with the job.
“Press Forward ran well when placed behind Charlie Magic at Dubbo at his latest start and he can run well again if he can run up to that effort.”
Robb will round out his day at Gilgandra when Rubi Air runs in the Three Rivers Machinery Kate Smith Memorial Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Handicap (1100m).
Small will take the ride and the well-bred mare by Rubick, out of the talented mare Hairy, only needs to overcome a wide alley to be hard to hold out.
“Rubi Air won well at Dubbo early in December,” Robb said.
“She followed that up with a midfeld effort at Orange behind Outback Angel and she ran well at Canterbury on New Year’s Day.”
