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By Tony Megahey

The Lundholm’s are a central west racing institution and the historic Dubbo Gold Cup and Sunday’s TAB Cup Prelude and feature sprint lead-up day has always been high on their agenda.

Hence third generation trainer Clint Lundholm has accepted with three runners Smooth Esprit, Watch Me Rumble and Activation for the Cup Prelude, one of the great days in regional racing, and his impatience is building.

“I won the Cup way back in 2016 with Any Blinkin’ Day, the only one, I’ve been close a few times since, I’m a long way off “Pop’s record but mine will be competitive,” Clint offered.

Clint’s grandfather the late great John “Pop” Lundholm a 60-year trainer from Coonamble won the Gold Cup too many times for Clint to remember.

He started his riding career with his grandfather and father as a 14-year-old. Weight finally beat the tall Clint who still rides trackwork.

On Sunday Smooth Esprit has 55kg for Ben Looker, Watch Me Rumble the same for Wendy Peel and also Activation for Matthew Cahill in the $27.000 Dubbo City Toyota and Gilgandra Toyota Dubbo Cup Prelude (1418).

The strongest regional stables including Cavanough, Robb, Grills and Mirfin make it a wide open affair.

Surprisingly, Clint doesn’t quite agree with the favouritism at $3.70 on TAB for Smooth Esprit.

“He can run well as a last start winner but it’s six weeks between runs, just might need it.

“I’m more inclined for the mare (Watch Me Rumble - $6.50).

"She’s in form and race fit mares generally hold their form and she’ll be strong at the 1400m.”

Activation ($41), a Country Championships finalist in 2021, will be an outsider showing little this preparation at long odds.

“His best is good enough but he’s had a lot of issues and time off, been hard to get him right but a couple of runs back might see him improve.

At present Dubbo is a good four in fine weather.