Sawyers Gully trainer Darryl Thomas believes La Grand Quality can give him his biggest win in greyhound racing on Saturday night if he improves his start in the group 2 Ballarat Cup (415m).
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La Grand Quality was a $2.90 favourite with TAB after breaking the 390m Ballarat record in a trial then recording the fastest heat win, in 24.91 seconds, last Saturday night.
Thomas, though, was wary of the class field and tricky draw in box four for the $47,000 to-the-winner final, especially given La Grand Quality has had just 11 starts.
"He can run but he's still learning how to be a good dog," said Thomas, who captured a group 1 harness racing win with Rockmemama.
"I'm not saying he can't win, but he's got a few little things he needs to fix up.
"He's just mistiming the start and taking two or three strides to get going. Once he does, he's very quick, but they shut you out early in these big races generally if you don't start well.
"If he gets that right, he'll be awfully hard to beat."
Meanwhile, the Jodie Lord-trained Just Terms lifted late to upset favourite Blue Moon Rising and leader Shez Got Soul in the $25,000-to-the-winner Newcastle Cup (715m) on Friday at The Gardens.
Shez Got Soul ($8.50) burst to the lead from box one and held off Blue Moon Rising ($2.25) and Just Terms ($4.40) until the closing stages. Just Terms won by a half-length from Blue Moon Rising. Shez Got Soul was a length from the winner.
Richmond Vale trainer Jason Mackay had an early treble with Black Missile, Aston Sapporo and Zipping Veyron.