Seven may not mean heaven for Kozmik Kaos at Wentworth Park on Monday night but trainer Raymond Lacava hopes Tarzan’s Grip can compensate and earn him success.
The pair both go for Central Coast-based Lacava in the Bohemia Crystal Sprint Series Final (280m).
Kozmik Kaos is a handy performer, with last week’s victory at Wentworth Park a third triumph in five outings.
His trainer likes what he is seeing but thinks the box Seven draw has not done his charge any favours.
“Kozmik Kaos is certainly improving,” Lacava said. “I certainly think I’ll have a couple of placegetters at least.
“If I have any concerns about Kozmik it’s that he generally does better from the even boxes.
“When you put him in the box he does play up and when he’s in there a while he tends to think about it.
“It doesn’t mean he won’t ping the lids and fly (but) that’s my main concern with him.”
Kozmik Kaos is building a decent reputation, having won eight of 26 starts so far.
Kennelmate Tarzan’s Grip is fairly solid too, having chalked up five wins and 14 other placings from 33 starts.
Lavaca, a hobby trainer who works out of Buff Point, said Tarzan’s “sensational” later speed might give the edge.
“The only thing with Tarzan is his start," the trainer said.
“He’s not a lid pinger but he has a sensational sprint over 140m when he hits the ground.
"If you look at the replay from Wentworth Park (last Monday), you be amazed at the ground he made up.
“I would probably be inclined to favour Tarzan’s Grip. I think he will be fairly good value and I just don’t know how much the other will be playing up in the box.”
There’s some tough opposition lying in wait for the pair, with Hershey’s Kiss (box two) aiming for a fifth consecutive win.
Box six’s Pee Kay hasn’t won since June but is usually a threat at this level.
Puzzle Queen has clocked 16.15 for the distance at Wentworth Park and is a very nippy greyhound on her day.
The race is the fourth of ten on offer at Wentworth Park, with action starting at 7.13pm.
For Wentworth Park Monday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
