While boom NSW sprinter La Grand Quality set Ballarat alight in the heats, trainer Darryl Thomas can't believe he's favourite for Saturday night's final (450m).
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La Grand Quality was coming off a record-breaking 390m Ballarat trial when he produced the fastest heat performance last Saturday, clocking a scorching 24.91sec at just his 11th start.
The son of 2010 Melbourne Cup winner El Grand Senor will make his first appearance at group level in the $47,000 to-the-winner Ballarat Cup and he's TAB's $2.80 favourite.
"I think it's the wrong market," Thomas said.
"I don't know if that's me trying to stay level-headed or not realising how good he is, but it's his first go at this level and he's favourite ahead of the Melbourne Cup winner (Whiskey Riot). Wowser!"
Ironically, Thomas and La Grand Quality are being hosted by Whiskey Riot's trainer Anthony Azzopardi for their Ballarat Cup assault. Azzopardi's base is in Rowsley, about 50 minutes drive from Ballarat.
"This is massive for the dog but we don't want to get ahead of ourselves," Thomas said.
"We're staying humble and we're just very happy to be in the final. I'd love to win - that's what we're here for - but I won't be disappointed at all if he doesn't."
La Grand Quality will jump from box four in Saturday night's group 2 final.
