Just a few short weeks ago Clint Lundholm wasn't feeling great about his chances of having Notabadidea contest the $130,000 Country Classic.
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A disappointing run in the Coonamble Cup, where the six-year-old gelding finished 11th, left the Dubbo trainer feeling "a bit deflated".
But things change quickly in racing and in the space of two days late last month Notabadidea showed the kind of form Lundholm knew he was capable of.
After a promising fifth in the Cootamundra Cup, Notabadidea was back in action just two days later and produced a powerful run home on the way to a strong win in the Coonabarabran Cup.
"That put us back in the game and now we're ready to rock and roll," Lundholm said.
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The Dubbo trainer departed his stables on Friday morning headed to Rosehill and Saturday's Country Classic (2000m) feature event.
The Country Classic was always the plan for Lundholm once Notabadidea arrived in his care earlier this year.
After racing up to 1600m in six starts since switching stables, Lundholm feels now is the perfect time to stretch his gelding out to 2000m.
Notabadidea has a proven track record over the longer distances, having previously won over 2400m while in three starts at 2000m events he's recorded one win and two seconds.
We're pretty excited about it and think we've got a decent chance in the race.
- Clint Lundholm
"If it is wet (in Sydney) it makes it a bit more of a staying sort of race and that brings us right back into it," Lundholm said.
"He's a staying-kind-of horse and I think it will play into his favour if they get the rain.
"We're pretty excited about it and think we've got a decent chance in the race and, all things being equal, I think he'll run very well."
Brodie Loy will take the ride for Lundholm and while drawing barrier 15 wasn't ideal, Notabadidea's pattern of rolling forward and the longer distance makes it "not as much of a concern".
Notabadidea was a $18 chance on Friday while Canberra galloper Dream Runner, trained by Keith Dryden, was a $3.50 favourite.
Lundholm will be out to keep the Country Classic title in Dubbo after Kody Nestor won the event last year with Fast Talking.
The field for Saturday's event also includes the Peter Sinclair-trained Aesop's Fable, the mare who won the Dubbo Gold Cup and Coonamble Cup back-to-back earlier this preparation.
As well as his Country Classic chances, Lundholm will also take a six-strong team to Warren's Cotton Cup meeting on Sunday.
The trainer rates The Big Seal his best chance while Silverhawk will contest the day's feature event.
The Country Classic jumps at 3.35pm, Saturday.
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