Fantastic Spiral is in peak condition going into the biggest race of his career - the Group 1 Sky Racing Topgun (525m) at The Meadows on Saturday night - but trainer Jason Fletcher admits he is probably running for second.
This year's Group 1 Dapto Megastar winner (box four) is a $15 shot with Sportsbet for the feature event, despite owning a formidable record this year.
Fantastic Spiral, one of three NSW hopefuls alongside Bessy Boo (box five) and Brad Hill Billy (box six) involved, comes to The Meadows with four wins from his last six starts.
He has helped Fletcher enjoy a super year but the Appin owner-trainer cannot see Fernando Bale (box one) being beaten here.
“Fantastic Spiral is in great form, but I hear the greyhound in box one goes pretty good,” Fletcher (pictured with Fantastic Spiral and connections) said with a grin.
“I couldn’t have prepared 'Spiral' better. He’s had two trials here and he’s ready to run a big race, but unfortunately Fernando Bale has box one here.
"Really, we are just hoping for a bit of luck to place.”
Fantastic Spiral, who defeated a high-calibre field to win the Megastar, comes here with 17 wins and 10 minor placings from 30 starts.
The son of Spiral Nikita and Light Fantastic, who also won this year’s Group 3 Nowra Summer Puppy Classic, has also scored one win and a placing in his two previous starts from box four.
Given his box one draw, Fernando Bale is all the rage yet again for the feature event in what could be the penultimate Group 1 of his career.
Even without the benefit of box one, Fernando Bale would have started at prohibitive odds after his incredible year.
The son of Kelsos Fusileer and Chloe Allen became the first greyhound to win $1m prize money with his win in the Group 1 Adelaide Cup two weeks ago.
Kayda Shae (box two, $6) trialled brilliantly here last week in 29.56 and from this draw looks Fernando Bale’s biggest threat.
Kelly Bravo’s greyhound has scored two wins and a placing from four previous starts with the checks, part of an impressive career record of 10 wins and eight minor placings from 22 starts.
Another Andrea Dailly-trained greyhound, Dyna Double One (box eight, $4.30) looks arguably the most tempting outsider here.
The son of Barcia Bale and Crystin Bale, who has won more than $240,000 prize money, has the super record of four wins from five starts from box eight.
He has been troubled by a toe injury recently but if in full fitness could have the early pace to pressurise Fernando Bale.
Bessy Boo ($41) and Brad Hill Billy ($61) both arrive in strong form but realistically would need huge luck from these draws to win.
Lamia Bale (box three, $31) and two-time Group 1 winner Keybow (box seven, $51) complete the field.
The night also features the Group 2 Topgun for stayers over 725m,which will see Victorian Sweet It Is (box three, $1.55) also break the $1m prize money mark with a win.
NSW will be represented by Ada Mary ($61), winner of the recent Group 3 Sydney Cup.
Seeking Justice (box six, $6) has won three of her last five visits to the Meadows and looks the biggest challenger to Sweet It Is.
For Sportsbet's full odds on the night, click here.
Group 1 Sky Racing Top Gun Box Draw (Sportsbet Fixed Odds prices in brackets): 1. Fernando Bale ($1.35) 2. Kayda Shae ($6) 3. Lamia Bale ($31) 4. Fantastic Spiral ($15) 5. Bessy Boo ($41) 6. Brad Hill Billy ($61) 7. Keybow ($51) 8. Dyna Double One ($4.30). 1R: Secret Spell ($21), 2R; Ronray Spirit ($51).
Group 2 Sky Racing Stayers Top Gun Box Draw (Sportsbet Fixed Odds prices in brackets): 1. Lady Toy ($9) 2. Lithgow Panther ($7) 3. Sweet It Is ($1.55) 4. Ada Mary ($61) 5. Shanlyn Lucy ($15) 6. Seeking Justice ($6) 7. Dzeko ($7) 8. Mepunga Tiara ($34). 1R: Luna Jinx ($8), 2R: Beks ($10).
Prices correct at the time of writing.
