Theobald is no stranger to the Toompang Racecourse, or winning a picnic cup, having supported the Picnics in Young numerous times over the years, but a Burrangong Cup victory is something he’s still aiming to chalk up.

The Bathurst-based trainer, who juggles working as a builder and training horses, has dual acceptances in the Cup with Heeby Frenly also among the field of seven for the $5,500 race.

However, Theobald says he will likely to only race Attilius in the Cup.

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“He’s raced at Young before. I’m leaning towards Attilius in the Cup and Heeby Frenly to go in the 1000m sprint,” he said.

“If it rains it’s good for Attilius. He likes a cut of the ground.”

The grey gelding finished second over a 1400m benchmark 58 at Wellington this preparation, before running fifth at Mudgee most recently in a benchmark 60.

“I was really impressed [at Wellington], it was a good race,” he said.

“Then at Mudgee he was going half pace, the race didn’t suit him. He needs pace at the start to come over the top of them. That’s what I’m hoping for on Saturday.”

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The only thing that’s concerning Theobald is that jockey Michael Gray has never ridden Attilius before and has no experience with the six-year-old.

“That’s our achilles heel. That’s the unknown,” he said.

Theobald says Attilius’s stablemate Dunderry will be a big threat in the Open Trophy Handicap (1000m) and, like Attilius, will enjoy a wet track.

“I often come down for it, it’s a really good meeting. A lot of trainers have their horses prepared well for this time of year and they all like to win something to put on the mantle,” Theobald said. 

“If I win it, it’ll be a first.”

Gates open at 12pm on Saturday at Toompang Racecourse with the first race set to jump at 1.15pm.

A six-race program is on offer for punters with the last set for 4.45pm.