Trainer Christine Proctor admits the draw is a concern for impressive newcomer Son Of Katie, but still feels her greyhound can win today's Gold Collar Final (race eight, 400m) at Maitland.
The exciting greyhound jumps from box two in the high-quality decider after clocking his fourth consecutive victory in brilliant fashion in last week's heats.
Son Of Katie clocked a flying 22.13 in last week's heats - just 0.15 outside Winsome Jacko's 2014 track record - while cruising home by six-and-a-half lengths.
And while he looks a strong chance for today's final, Proctor has sounded a cautious note.
"I'd prefer him starting out wider," the western Sydney trainer said. "Having said, he's won from box one, albeit in lower class. He ran home well last week - drove home very hard - and seems to have that 'push through' that the better greyhounds have.
"He really takes off when he hits the ground (but) this race is so tough, he'll have to come out well to have any chance.
"I'm optimistic but not getting over-confident with so many other super greyhounds in this race."
Son Of Katie scored two placings in his first three starts but has been unbeatable since resuming in January from a spell, winning twice at Maitland and twice at Bulli.
Son of Katie looks the one to beat but will need to be at his best to take out the Gold Collar Final.
Fellow exciting prospect Tiny Terror has the tricky box five draw by cannot be discounted having won her last three starts, including a dazzling 22.06 effort last week.
Your Shout Punk (box seven), trained by gun western Sydney mentor Mark Gatt, is also a strong winning chance having clocked 22.26 while scoring a dominant 11-length win in last week's heats.
In other Maitland Thursday action, talented newcomer Lochinvar Hugo (box two) looks the standout in race four over the 565m.
The Robert Smith-trained greyhound has scored three wins and three minor placings from six starts so far and scored a strong win over the 535m at Richmond two week ago.
Mister Twister (box two) has not won in nine starts but showed improved form to place at Bulli last Saturday night and can win race six (450m).
Last year's Group 1 Vic Peters Classic runner-up has not been beginning as well as he can recently, but is a class performer and looks capable of saluting in this.
Unbeaten Wonelova Gunn (box seven) faces her toughest test so far but looks capable of saluting again in race seven (400m).
For Maitland Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
