There's mixed feeling for Dubbo Turf Club general manager Vince Gordon at the moment.
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For the second successive meeting the Dubbo track will play host to a huge 10-race card, something not seen before, and that combined with the quality of horses on show provides reason to celebrate.
But things won't quite be the same on Sunday as members of the public remain barred from attending meetings.
Owners will be welcomed back on Sunday and Gordon is hopeful by the time the Dubbo track hosts its next lot of races, on July 17, things will be a long way back to normal.
And while he's looking forward to that day he's still thrilled at the prospect of the best local hopes doing battle with trainers and horses from all over on Sunday and upcoming feature meetings later in the year.
"Someone tried to tell me it [10-race meeting] had happened before but I don't know about that, not in my time," Gordon said.
"But if this enthusiasm continues towards the Gold Cup and the improved level of horses here continues it could go a long way to helping us make that day what we want it to be.
"We want to challenge Grafton, Port Macquarie, Wagga and those carnivals."
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The washout at Coonamble last week played a big role in 162 horses accepting for Sunday's meeting at Dubbo while the cancellation of a numerous non-TAB and picnic meetings because of COVID-19 restrictions has also played a part.
But Gordon puts a lot of down to the quality of the Dubbo track and he was particularly pleased to see such strong numbers for Sunday's stayers' event.
It often proves difficult for country clubs to have full fields for events contested over more than 2000m but it won't be an issue on Sunday.
That is a fantastic indication of the health of country racing.
- Vince Gordon
There's a full field of 14 plus four emergencies for the HIT 93.5 Benchmark 59 Handicap (2210m).
Dubbo trainers Mick Lunn, Dar Lunn, and Jannelle Galea have Club Town, Snipselva, and Good Host respectively in the race while Garry Lunn's Dusktilldawn was first emergency.
"That is a fantastic indication of the health of country racing," Gordon said.
The meeting is also going to be a big one for trainer Clint Lundholm.
Lundholm, who was in action at Scone on Friday, will saddle up 10 hopes at his home track on Sunday.
"We're working on a wet track and that is always something on an unknown, but we've got some progressive types and some nice chances all day," Lundholm told Racing NSW.
"We're drawn wide with a few but in the conditions, it might be where you need to be.
"At this stage, my best is Arrivederci; a really big win last start. And I've got a really nice maiden in Zariz Raider that Greg Ryan rode for me in a trial.
"Greg said it went pretty well, genuine upside and will win races."
The first of the 10 races jumps at 11.15am on Sunday.