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By Mark Brassel

Albury trainer Ron Stubbs will be a busy man on Thursday even though he’ll only be walking across the road to the racetrack.

One of Riverina’s leading trainers, Stubbs has around 30 horses in work and is likely to be represented by up to nine runners at Thursday’s delayed Albury Gold Cup Day.

The meeting was postponed due to rain three weeks back and leading his sizeable team is Bianco Vilano who will contest the $200,000 Albury Commercial Club Gold Cup (2000m).

Bianco Vilano (Tyler Schiller) steams home to win at Warwick Farm. Image by Bradley Photographers

The event is a qualifying race for the $3m Big Dance (1600m) at Royal Randwick in November.

Bianco Vilano is in peak form having scored a last start win over 1600m at Warwick Farm when well supported from $8 into $6.

“He travelled well in the run then finished very strongly to win that race,” Stubbs said.

“This will be his first go beyond that distance over the 2000m of the Cup, but he travelled well and looks like he’ll handle the extra distance although there’s always the question mark.”

Top Victorian jockey Harry Coffey who has ridden 1261 winners will be aboard the gelding in the Cup.

Stubbs is likely to have four runners in the $45,000 Naughtin Development Group Flat Knacker (900m) headed by Sparring who won the race last year.

“We were looking at a race in Sydney a couple of weeks back, but the track was too wet which he doesn’t fancy.

“He’s ticking along nicely and trialled well in near darkness at Gundagai – they wouldn’t have wanted one to play up as you wouldn’t have seen them.

“Brial Rose is in the Flat Knacker and the Class 2 but we haven’t decided which way we’ll go. She was used up a bit early last start and had to stop at Wagga, so we’ll try and ride her a bit quieter this time.

“Rumours Abound bolted in at Wagga in January and is going well after a nice run at Warwick Farm first-up. Tap ‘N’ Run hasn’t had a start for three months; he’s had a couple of minor issues, and we might just wait another week or so.”

Stubbs has three horses entered for the $50,000 Tonkin Group Super Maiden (1175m) which is an Inglis Xtra Maiden that carries a further $100,000 bonus if the winner is an Inglis graduate and paid up for the Inglis Race Series.

“Smart as Grace ran a good second when resuming and the winner has won again since. We’re really happy with her and she has a future.

“I cannot fault Sargeant Stan, but he was a little disappointing when beaten last time. He’s better than that and we’ve taken the blinkers off.

“He’s physically fine but mentally I don’t think he’s quite there yet and we’ll see the best of him next preparation.

“Stairway had his first run for the stable the other day when he presented to win but just whacked away and will be better for the run.”

Meanwhile, Back O’ Bourke Picnic Race Club is set to host its annual race meeting on Easter Sunday.

“This year marks a particularly special milestone as the Club celebrates a decade since bringing racing back to Bourke,” said Sarah Barton, the Club’s Secretary.

“It’s Bourke’s largest social event and the raceday is a highlight of the Back O’ Bourke Easter Festival which brings the community together for a weekend filled with family-friendly activities.

“The highlight is the prestigious Harry Hart Memorial Cup proudly sponsored by Rice’s Back O’ Bourke Cordials with jockeys and trainers benefitting from generous incentive payments.

“The Club has ensured a well-rounded experience with a fully stocked bar, TAB and betting facilities, a jumping castle for the little ones and a courtesy bus.

“The ever-popular Fashions on the Field will add a touch of glamour to the day with the celebrations continuing with live entertainment from ‘Crank’ who will keep the party going well into the night.”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Scone
Tuesday: Armidale
Wednesday: Coffs Harbour
Thursday: Albury
Saturday: Port Macquarie, Moruya, Lightning Ridge (non-TAB), Tocumwal (non-TAB)
Sunday: Nowra, Mudgee, Bourke picnics (non-TAB)