Dominant Xylia Allen is an overwhelming favourite for the 710m Superstayers Invitational at Albion Park but James Shaw has all the optimism you'd expect of a racing newcomer that he can cause an upset.
New Zealander Shaw, who has only been training for a year, has Know Class among a field of four dogs for Thursday night's $15,000-to-the-winner race.
Victorian-trained Xylia Allen cemented her reputation as the queen of Australian staying racing with victory in last week's Group 1 Gold Cup at the track and can be found at about $1.35 from box five.
Despite facing such a formidable foe, Shaw said his experienced charge, who has 18 wins and 46 placings from 86 starts in a highly respectable career, could not be discounted from box three.
"I think we've got nothing to lose,” he said.
"It will be interesting to see how Xylia Allen goes away from home for the third week in a row.
"I'm pleased with the draw and being close to the rail. That definitely suits (Know Class) More.
"I think he's a rough chance but I'm optimistic.”
Shaw said Wag Tail should be a decent chance in box one, while Infinite Wish also gets an outing from box seven.
Xylia Allen, trained by Jenny Hunt, has a hugely impressive 32 wins and 21 placings from her 68 starts.
Despite that record, Shaw said his veteran campaigner still had enough in his legs to cause an upset.
"He acts like an 18-month-old pup," he said with a grin. "I still think he's got at least four or five months' racing left in him.
"He's trained well this week and is in good shape."
Shaw (24) only started training about a year ago and has been based in Victoria with experienced couple Jeff Britton and Angela Langton.
The Kiwi, who hails from Christchurch, is enjoying learning the sport.
"My father was into the gallops and I have always enjoyed racing," Shaw said.
"I didn't want a job where I was in an office all day so I thought I'd give this a go.
"The dogs are lovely to work with and I really enjoy it.
"I'm not sure how long I want to do (training) for but I love these big races."
The race is the seventh of ten on the card at Albion Park and goes at 8.44pm.
