Troy Murray will be hoping to say goodbye to fast rising Big Zap in style at Angle Park on Thursday.
The flying campaigner, who has chalked up four straight wins for South Australian trainer Murray in recent weeks, goes from box three in the Shane McQueen Final (600m).
Murray has been looking after the dog for three months and will hand him back to the Melbourne-based owners after $5000-to-the-winner race.
“You are always sad to see good dogs go, but that happens,” he said.
“That was always the plan once he had put it together.
“He has always shown the ability. I think he just needed more self-confidence.
“He’s matured and got that confidence and is a good dog now.”
Big Zap only recorded one win in his first nine starts but has come on leaps and bounds under Murray’s guidance.
He has won five from his last six and won his heat last week – a first outing at 600m – in impressive fashion.
Most of his victories have come from the inside boxes and Murray said Thursday’s draw was favourable.
“Three is probably better than (box ) one,” he said.
“If you don’t start well then you are in trouble, whereas three gives you more room to get around.
“I think three will help him.”
Murray identified box eight foe Cairnlea Layla as the biggest threat.
She has won both her previous outings from the outside and has 11 wins from 23 starts to her name.
Regardless of the result on Thursday night, Murray said his dog would be one to keep an eye on when he moves to Victoria.
“Most definitely,” he said.
“I think it will just be whether he can handle the pressure in Melbourne. There’s some good dogs down there so it’s hard to do well.
“He is definitely one to watch.”
The final is eighth on a very handy 10-race card at Angle Park and is off at 9.41pm (AEST).
Action starts at 7.11pm.
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