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By Bradley Jurd

Paul Theobald will be hoping that rain will play its part on Monday when racing returns to Tyers Park.

The Bathurst trainer has just one starter entered in the seven-race meeting, with Attilius ($17 on TAB) starting from barrier five in the Kennards Hire Benchmark 66 Handicap (1400m), the final race of the day.

Bathurst is a Soft 7 and Theobald is hopeful the track will benefit Attilius: "The soft track plays into his hands," Theobald said. "He prefers it wet."

Ken Dunbar normally rides Attilius, however, because of a suspension, the responsibility has fallen to Winona Costin. Theobald expects Costin to push Attilius forward early.

"I think he'll go forward. He's racing up on the speed a bit more now," he said.

"I've got him a little bit fresher and he's a bit keener to go forward. Before when he was racing, he was missing the kick going forward.

"In reality, 1400 metres race was under pressure, because he was at the level of about 1200 metres. The first 200-300 metres is where he's on his legs.

"He's finding his legs a lot quicker now, so he's pinging the lids. Winona hasn't ridden him before, so that's the only downside.

"She might be a bit weary of him being a new horse under her. She might be erring on the side of caution."

Theobald said he's been pleased with Attilius in training.

"I can't fault him," he said. "He's raring to go for this race, jumping out of his skin."

The last race - which Attilius will be featuring in - gets underway at 4.35pm.