Joe Borg cannot split his two contenders for the Group 3 Big Dog Final (600m) at Albion Park but believes he has an “excellent chance” of landing the $25,000 top prize.
Borg has Come On Fantasy and Ralphy Cinel jumping from boxes two and five in Thursday’s decider, with the pair pricing around $3 respectively with Sportsbet pre-final.
Come On Fantasy has a great record from the inside boxes while Ralphy Cinel took time honours from last week’s three semi-finals.
Victorian Borg would not disclose who he thinks is the best hope but believes Ralphy Cinel can win from the squeeze box, especially as he is inside the Reg Kay-trained local danger GOOD CALL Paul">Paul (box seven, $5).
“Who would I put my money on?” Borg said with a grin. “Both of them.
“I think they have both got excellent chances.
“Speaking to Reggie, I think he prefers his dog on the inside so we are better drawn (than him).
“I don’t necessarily think box five is a disadvantage as Ralphy Cinel can cut straight down and take the lead.
“They are both really consistent chasers and I think it will just be who gets the cleanest start.”
Come on Fantasy was narrowly edged out by GOOD CALL Paul in last week’s heats, but is the fastest contender here on paper.
Ralphy Cinel is a son of Queensland and Victorian-trained superstar High Earner and zoomed round in an impressive 34.66 last week.
Watch Ralphy Cinel’s heat run here.
The chaser has enjoyed two good runs at Albion Park in recent weeks and with 13 wins from 37 starts is a consistent performer.
“I used to live in Queensland so I earmarked this race about three or four months ago,” Borg said.
“It’s a real honour for me to make the final with the two. I’m excited and and I just hope one of them can win it.”
Reg Kay’s chaser was an impressive winner last week and looks in strong nick heading into the final.
Box eight’s Kidatee Croc ($10) also has claims as he has been running consistently well in recent weeks and has a strong record with the pink rug.
Blue Tartan (box four) looks the best bet of the night in the meeting’s fourth race.
Mullaway was below-par in last week’s Big Dog heats but can bounce back with a victory in race three.
For Albion Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Big Dog Final box draw (Sportsbet Fixed Odds price in brackets): 1. Farmer's Gold ($18) 2. Come On Fantasy ($3) 3. Buck City ($7) 4. Clash Of Kings ($10) 5. Ralphy Cinel ($3.20) 6. Mister To Us ($34) 7. GOOD CALL Paul ($5) 8. Kidatee Croc ($10) Reserve: Hougenie.
All prices correct at time of writing.
