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By Tony Megahey

Veteran Dubbo trainer and ex-jockey Garry Lunn, is quietly confident he can maintain a winning run at value odds with in-form apprentice Alena Skerritt at Tuesday’s seven-race Orange TAB meeting.

Lunn, one of four training brothers, and all former jockeys, has four lengthy-priced runners at an in depth meeting that has attracted the profile Warwick Farm stables of Bjorn Baker and Gary Portelli.

Alena Skerritt. Credit: Bradley Photos.

Champion regional jockey Greg Ryan has a near full book, including two of Baker’s runners as he strives to return to the winner’s stall after a short term shoulder injury.

Meanwhile Lunn has a positive vibe for Skerritt who has ridden 11 winners this season, including a recent double for Lunn, and is aboard three of his four runners at better than each way odds.

“She’s won four races for me this month, she’s an improver and a claimer with plenty of confidence and really keen for opportunities,” Lunn enthused.

“I like the little lady’s attitude; she’s apprenticed to Matthew Smith at Warwick Farm and like a lot of apprentices, it’s tough getting regular rides on Sydney tracks. She’s prepared to travel, work hard and she rings me often for opportunities. And she’s made the most of them. She won twice on Nightspun and it’ll be hard to beat again at Muswellbrook on Thursday. She’s also won races for Michelle Fleming who won that Highway on Saturday, and I see Alena has rides in most races.”

Lunn rates his best chances at value odds as Oskastar with Alena in a BM65 (1400m), and Cuban Lass for her in a BM 65 (1600m). “Oskastar’s two runs back from injury have been terrific and he’s a six race winner,” Lunn said. “He threw a shoe, hit him injuring a leg and it took a long time to get him right again but he’s fitter for the runs and he’ll be really competitive.

“Cuban Lass, won really well at Gilgandra and then she was unlucky at Wellington. It’s a tough race, some good form in it but she’s won seven for me. She’s a tough, consistent mare and from a good draw Alena should give here the right run.”

Orange will race on a soft seven rated track in fine weather.

View the fields, form and race replays for Tuesday's Orange meeting here.