Shane Graham is experiencing insomnia.
The reigning Australian Driver of the Year faces a difficult decision ahead of Sunday’s $1.3 million TABtouch Inter Dominion Grand Final at Gloucester Park in Perth.
Graham will partner free-legged pacer Avonnova in the world’s richest pacing race but has drawn awkwardly in gate seven in the 2536m classic.
A naturally fast beginner, Graham has a big call to make with his rugged and durable pacer.
Will he blast? Or will he wait?
“I don’t know which I’m going to go at this stage; I’ve already gone through the race a 1000 times over and so many different scenarios keep entering my headspace. He’s a speedy beginner and I’m fully aware there is plenty of pace drawn to my inside but on this track, I think it’s best to be handy.” Graham said.
Although winless during the three qualifying heats during the past week, the Ian Gurney trained pacer has performed in a solid manner and is capable of causing plenty of headaches for his nine rivals.
And Graham believes he’s in the right condition entering Sunday’s Grand Final.
“I’ve been really happy with his efforts during the series to date; I thought the first night second behind Philadelphia Man was a great effort, probably a little plain on night two at Bunbury while last week he kept fighting all the way to the finish in an oddly run heat.
“The plan for this series was to do enough to qualify and earn maximum points where we could but not without over doing it with him. We’ve achieved that target and now it’s time to take our best shot, this is the richest pacing race in the world and it’s really exciting to be part of it and we can’t die wondering.
“Following the heats and then the barrier draw, I think it’s more open than many first thought it would be and many have legitimate claims to win this race. This is an Inter Dominion Grand Final and anything can happen but I know I have a horse that is ready to run a great race.”
Star Victorian Lennytheshark remains the favourite and clearly commands strong respect following his excellent efforts during the three heats.
Many expect Lennytheshark to take a shot at speedy local pacer Lovers Delight in the early stages.
“The fact he’s drawn gate three and he’s the favourite, I expect Chris (Alford – driver) to have an early look but we know he doesn’t have to lead to win. He’s the form horse of the series and will be given every chance.
“It will be interesting to see what Jimmy (Rattray – Devendra) does early, he’s a versatile horse who showed gate speed on the opening night but his win last week coming from last was very impressive.”
Graham is lining up in his third Inter Dominion Grand Final following his drives behind Avonnova earlier this year and Mach Alert in 2013, both finals were staged in Sydney.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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