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By Tony Megahey

Acclaimed regional veteran Rodney Robb would rather avoid ongoing race clashes with his first season training son Brett, his long-time stable foreman, but it’s unavoidable at present into the Coonamble TAB meeting on Saturday.

The Robb’s have numerous chances throughout the six-race program and they are opponents in the opening maiden race and the fifth event.

Dubbo-based trainer Rodney Robb. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

Rodney had intended winding right back when he transferred stable responsibilities to Brett in the new season but the outback “Picnic’s King” turned samaritan when a family friend struck a crisis.

Young Dubbo trainer Clint Lundholm was suspended for three months so Rodney put on hold a camping and racing holiday to the Northern Territory to take over Clint’s substantial team.

“I’m looking after around 20 - hard work at my age but that’s what we do, I’ve moved from my set-up at Nyngan to Clint’s Dubbo stables and Brett’s running our team at home,” Rodney explained.

“Clint took a family holiday interstate through a tough period so we haven’t been in contact.”

However, December 14 is a date that can’t come quickly enough for both Rodney and Clint.

“That’s when his suspension ends and I can get back to what I’d planned, just a couple of picnic runners and potter around in the outback. Hopefully when those meetings come back to normal.

“Brett’s got more live chances than me on Saturday, I’ll need a lot of luck and my best is in the maiden with Arkham Asylum.

"He’s limited but an honest trier in as steady a maiden as you’ll get. He’s run a few placings, he’s trialled well enough and this just might finally be his race.

“Brett’s best is On a Promise in a late race, as genuine as tough a bush horse as they come - drawn out but he’ gets a decent weight drop and can race on pace.”

On a Promise contests the Swanny's Foods Class 2, 1300m with 56kg for Anthony Cavallo off recent wins at Coonabarabran and Gilgandra and a Dubbo placing.

The Brett Thompson and Gary Lunn stables have strong contenders throughout the day. At present Coonamble is a good four in hot weather.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Coonamble here