Adelaide Cup At Catch The Thief's Mercy

STAND-IN trainer Petar Jovanovic says hot, hot favourite Catch The Thief only has to jump to win Friday night's Group 1 Adelaide Cup final (515m) at Angle Park.

But that confidence comes with a degree of caution aimed mostly at rivals Golden Night and Coorong Lucy.

Jovanovic says Catch The Thief (Aussie Infrared-Dundee Ally) has had his best week since joining his kennel for the Match Race series and the Cup.

“This has been his best week,” he said.

“He's recovered from his trial between races last Thursday night and is feeling terrific.

“The dog is a real competitor. Even putting him out in the yards on our property, he wants to compete against the others we have.”

Jovanovic could not help but be impressed with the dog's 29.33 trial between races last Thursday night.

“It was the first sections that told the story,” he said. “That 4.33 and 16.51 were flying.

“And, I suppose it never goes astray that he has drawn the red box in the final.

“He's the real deal this dog.”

But Jovanovic says if there is to be an upset of the favourite it could come from Golden Night or Coorong Lucy.

“Troy (Murray) has got Golden Night going terrific, the best he's ever gone,” said Jovanovic.

“He's a great chaser and has gone to the next level in recent weeks.”

But he says if there is to be an upset it could come from star local bitch Coorong Lucy from the Cameron Butcher kennel.

“She had only one trial going into the heats last week and went 30.27,” he said.

“But she came out and ran 29.60 in the heats. She's right back to her best and everyone knows she can come out like a rocket and will cross straight to the fence.

“The Cup final is a very good field.”

Despite that, Jovanovic says if Catch The Thief comes out running and leads he “will be surprised if they run him down”.

“As I said, he's the real deal.”