ATTILIUS may have every other runner on his inside when he lines up at Hawkesbury this Thursday but Paul Theobald is hopeful his gallant grey can use his weight advantage to score another victory.
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The Bathurst trainer takes Attilius over the mountains for the Windsor Rotary CG&E Benchmark 64 Handicap (1,300 metres) where he'll look to back up his last start win at Tyers Park.
Attilius has taken a liking to front running in his recent races but that trend could be hard to follow with 12 horses to his inside on Thursday.
But Theobald believes, after studying the field, that there's every chance his seven-year-old can dictate the terms on the turf.
"He's drawn the visitors' carpark but I've done a speed map and there's no speed in the race. They all like to come from behind," he said.
"In saying that they'll all probably push forward. He's racing more forward than he's ever done. Over the 1,300m he's got 300m until the first turn so he can still be up on the pace ... and he's got a nice sweeping bend onto the straight."
This will be the fifth start this preparation for Attilius, who has improved with every run thus far.
"The first two starts were probably shocking rides," Theobald said.
"He's been earning his keep. It's hard enough to get a horse to win one or two races but he's on 11."
Attilius' last start success at Bathurst pushed him past the $100,000 career prizemoney benchmark.
Attilius carries 55kg, just as he did in his recent win, which is the minimum weight for Thursday race.
Theobald could potentially have horses in action at Nyngan's picnic races this Saturday.
Two of his veteran runners, Dunderry and Red Maurauder, are both nominated for the meeting where they both look to turn around their fortunes.