High-flying trainer Mark Gatt believes Red Road is his ace in the Newcastle Herald National Derby semi finals at Unibet Gardens even though he also has Group 1 Sportingbet Paws Of Thunder finalist Boyce Road in the series.
Gatt has five dogs in the two semi-finals of the Derby on Friday as well as dual Group 1 winner Ritza Hattie in the second semi-final of the Group 1 Dogpro National Futurity.
While Boyce Road won his heat last Friday in 29.33, Red Road was not far behind when he recorded 29.34.
But Gatt believes there is more improvement in Red Road, who will line up from box five in semi-final number two.
"Red Road was a bit underdone last week and I think he'll go to the line a lot stronger on Friday," he said.
"He basically only had one 300m trial and a post-to-post between when he split his kneecap at Wentworth Park (December 28) and last Friday.
"He has good box speed and I've had a good look at the race and I think he is boxed to perfection.
"That might sound funny as he is in box five but in that race it is perfect."
Gatt also has Ritza Raider engaged in the race and he has strong claims of qualifying for the final from box two.
In the opening Derby semi-final, Gatt is hoping Boyce Road (box seven) shows the same box speed he displayed when he led throughout to win his heat.
"I'm just hoping he steps like he did last week," Gatt said.
"I think he is starting gain more confidence and it is coming out."
Gatt also has Black Road (box two) and Ritza Danny (box four) in the race.
Black Road won his heat last week in 29.79 while Ritza Danny finished fourth in the same race.
"Black Road isn't a fast beginner but when he hits the ground he just explodes so if he can get a bit of room early he should go well," he said.
Ritza Hattie finished second to fastest Futurity heat winner Lani Banarni in her heat after missing the start. She will start from box two in the second semi-final on Friday night.
"She missed the start by around three lengths and was still giving the leader three lengths start on the turn and when they are running 29.40 it's impossible to run them down," Gatt said.
"I'm hoping she'll begin a lot better this week. She is capable of leading but I don't expect her to because there is a lot of speed in the race."
Best Bet: Red Road (Race 8)
Best Value: Cawbourne Whip (Race 5)
Quaddie: Race 5 - 5, 1, 4
Race 6 - 2, 4
Race 7 - 2, 1, 7
Race 8 - 5, 1
$20 for 55.55%
