Azza Azza Azza (pictured) is a 50 per cent chance of finding the early lead in Sunday’s Group 2 CKH painting Shepparton Cup (450m), according to trainer Wayne Vassallo.
If he does find the lead he will almost certainly claim the $45,000 first prize based on his outstanding performance on Monday, in which he was the fastest of the six heat winners by four lengths.
“I rate him a fifty fifty chance of beginning well on Sunday, and there’s so much quality in the race that he’ll need to do everything right from the start,” Vassallo said.
“He is very capable of starting quickly as he showed in his heat, but sometimes he rocks back and forward trying to anticipate the boxes opening which can cause him to mistime the start.”
TAB has Azza Azza Azza favourite at $2.20 ahead of dual Group 1 winner Dyna Villa ($2.30), who is drawn in Box 6.
Recent Warragul Cup winner Ronray Spirit ($8.50) enters the race in great form, with five straight wins, but trainer Terry Reid is sceptical about his chances.
“Realistically I’ll be rapt if he runs a place. With Azza Azza Azza drawn in Box 1 he is definitely the dog to beat, while Dyna Villa is a big occasion dog, so he has to be respected.”
Meanwhile, The Watchdog expects Azza Azza Azza to get the job done and claim the $45,000 first prize.
“What was so impressive about Azza Azza Azza in his heat, apart from his finishing time, was his ability to burn off super slick beginner Luca Neveelk early and he appeared to be going from strength to strength as he hit the line.”
“If he begins anywhere near like he did in his heat then this race could be over in the early stages. He deserves to start favourite in this final,” The Watchdog said.
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Spin & Win: Find Out What’s Happening at the Shepparton Cup