Shaun Evans is not getting carried away with record-breaking Aphorism’s chances in this Saturday’s Group 3 Classicbet Nowra Spring Puppy Classic (520m) decider – but he believes his greyhound will be hard to beat.
The son of Collision and Fantasy Royale is the red hot $1.70 favourite with Sportsbet ahead of the race after his two brilliant performances in the series so far.
After running a scorching 29.57 in the heat, Aphorism went even better with a track record 29.50 run in last Monday’s semi-finals.
He can be a slow starter but Evans believes his greyhound will take some stopping here.
“He’s a greyhound where it doesn’t matter where he is drawn,” Evans said. “As long as he begins well and stays out of trouble, he is usually in contention.
“He looks the one to beat but you know that anything can happen in these races, of course.
“I will have everything crossed when the boxes come up on Saturday night, but I wouldn’t swap him for any other greyhound in the race, that’s for sure.”
Aphorism’s two wins in the series so far have extended his record to 12 wins and nine minor placings from 29 starts.
He has won three and placed once in his four previous starts wearing the white rug and has scored terrific wins at other tracks, including Wentworth Park, Dapto Richmond and WA’s Cannington.
The biggest danger to Aphorism here looks like Pedro Cerrano (box seven), who ran a strong 29.92 in last week’s semi-final and has 10 wins and three minor placings from 17 starts so far.
He usually has superb early pace and has won once and placed once in three previous starts from box seven.
Spritely Dancer (box two) was beaten by Pedro Cerrano in last week’s semi-final, a week after running a terrific 29.66 in the heats.
That was from box three so from closer to the rail Anne Hector’s greyhound could be more of a factor in the final.
Of the rest, Space And Time (box six, $31) is still seeking her first win after seven attempts but has improved during the series and will no doubt be prepared well by local trainer Phil Goodsell.
“Spritely Dancer is the biggest threat for me,” Evans said. “Pedro Cerrano from out wide has to be considered too.
"There's certainly pace in the race which makes it tough.
“(But) if they leave mine alone, I’m sure he has the speed to get ahead and lead.”
Aphorism already has more than $40,000 in prize money earnings to his name but that is possible to swell considerably soon.
“Depending how he pulls up, we’re looking at the Vic Peters heats (on October 17) for him,” Evans said.
“He’s a just a good chaser and has that will to win you need.
“He’s still young and should keep improving yet. We’ll be chasing the big titles with him, that’s for sure."
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Group 3 Nowra Classicbet Puppy Classic Box Draw (Sprtsbet Fixed Odds prices in brackets): 1. White Eyes ($26) 2. Spritely Dancer ($3.40) 3.Aphorism ($1.70) 4. Hugo Boss ($10) 5. Judoka Jean ($51) 6. Space And Time ($31) 7. Pedro Cerrano ($5) 8. Paw Patrol ($21). 1R: Black’s A Marble ($4). 2R: Hedgehog Ron ($51)
