Zipping Delta was run down by Ritza Hattie in a semi-final of the Dogpro National Futurity (515m) at Unibet Gardens last Friday night but trainer Jason MACKAY believes the box draw gives his charge a great chance to go one better in tonight's Group 1 final.
Zipping Delta will start from box six in the $75,000 to-the-winner decider.
"The semi-final was only her tenth start and it is a big step up to these big group races," MACKAY said.
"This was her first test at this level and I thought she handled herself quite well.
"There were two boxes left when we went up for the draw - one and six - and we got six. I don't look too much into box draws because they are all better than nine or ten."
Zipping Delta will be having her first start from box six but has won from boxes seven and eight.
"She's learning as she goes," MACKAY said.
"She has made mistakes before but she is getting better with racing.
"The wide draw is not too bad for her because all her form at this early stage is from out wide.
"She'll need a bit of luck in the final regardless."
Hunter Valley trainer Ryan Tredway, meanwhile, is confident of Little Satisfies' chances in the Group 1 Newcastle Herald National Derby Despite drawing box five.
Little Satisfies ran down Smashing Sally to win her semi-final in 30.03.
"She is still new to this type of racing like a lot of the other dogs," Tredway said.
"She always needs a bit of luck in her races and she got it in the semi-final."
Little Satisfies won her maiden over the 618m trip at Richmond but has raced over the 515m at Unibet Gardens at three of her four starts since.
"I put her up to the 600m to try and get her on the bunny," Tredway said.
"We know she is very strong but a race like this is a different kettle of fish but you only get one crack at it.
"So we threw her in and here we are a chance in the final.
"I'm new to Group 1 racing as well but I've had a lot of help along the way so we'll just see what happens on Friday."
Boyce Road (box one) and Evil Punk (box two) look the standouts in the Group 1 Newcastle Herald National Derby Final (515m).
Evil Punk looks the leader and if he does the big question will be can he hold out Boyce Road, who has drawn to get a good run behind the pace.
Best Bet: Boyce Road (Race 8)
Best Value: Zipping Delta (Race 6)
Quaddie: Race 5 - 1, 4
Race 6 - 6, 8, 2
Race 7 - 7, 6, 3
Race 8 - 1, 2
$20 for 55.55%
