Jeff Britton knows Xylia Allen holds all the aces for the Group 1 Macro Meats Albion Park Gold Cup (710m) but he is hopeful of a strong showing from his pair of hopefuls.
Xylia Allen (pictured) will start Thursday night’s $75,000-to-the-winner race as the heavy favourite (TAB fixed odds currently have her as the $1.15 favourite), with the proven Group performer Aiming for another victory to cement her status at Australia’s best greyhound.
Victorian trainer Britton has Mepunga Tiara in box four, with his partner and fellow trainer Angela Langton also looking after the couple's box two chance Infinite Wish.
Britton conceded his dogs are outsiders, with the box one dog likely to take centre stage yet again.
“When I heard Xylia Allen was going in the heats, the excitement went out a little bit for me to be honest,” Britton said.
“I cannot imagine any other winner. You would think something would have to go wrong with Xylia Allen for the others to have any chance.
“She is an exceptional dog.”
Mepunga Tiara actually went nose-to-nose with Xylia Allen for a while in last week’s heats before the latter recovered from a shaky start to romp home by more than six lengths.
The top-class Victorian bitch broke the 600m record at the Meadows last month, as well as the 720m best at Wentworth Park during this year’s Golden Easter Egg.
She started a $1.10 shot for last week’s heat and the Jenny Hunt-trained favourite is likely to be not far off that for the final.
Both Infinite Wish and Golfing Amy (box three) have plenty of early speed though and the strong field means it should not be a walkover for the favourite.
“Infinite Wish is more of a stayer,” Britton said. “I think she is a bit stronger (than Mepunga Tiara).
“If she can sit on Xylia Allen and stay with her, you never know.
“If Xylia Allen is not at her best and hits trouble, she may have a chance.
“Realistically though I think we are Aiming for the placings.”
It will be a busy night for Britton and Langton, who have been together for about a decade and are based at a 10-acre property close to Geelong.
Box eight dog Know Class is trained by James Shaw, who is currently assisting the couple while over from NEW ZEALAND.
“I guess I’m more excited than nervous,” Britton said. “You don’t have time to sit and think about it.
“It’s always good to get in these races. That’s why we’re in it.”
The race is seventh of 10 on the card and is off at 8.44pm.
