Louis Ready To Rumble In Flying Amy Classic

ICONIC trainer Steve Kavanagh knows precisely what it takes to win the Flying Amy Classic (520m) at Albion Park.

It's a feat he accomplished back in 2009 when his superstar Group 1 winner Cosmic Rumble downed High Earner – also a winner at Group 1 level – in spectacular fashion.

And on Thursday night at Albion Park, Kavanagh remains confident that his budding young star Louis Rumble can run the race of his life in the $75,000-to-the-winner showpiece.

"It's a sensational field – I don't think any of the finalists will be turning up overconfident," Kavanagh said.

"But the one to beat for certain is Jungle Deuce in box one. If he's anywhere near the leaders down the back he'll be hard to hold out.

"He's a hot young dog."

Louis Rumble charged into Thursday night's rich decider with a gritty 30.04 heat victory over Rockhampton Cup hero Orchestrate by a length.

It was the son of Fernando Bale's 13th victory from 27 career starts, and according to Kavanagh, by far his best win yet.

"He didn't have it all his own way and really toughed it out late," Kavangh said.

"I was as surprised as anyone when he pulled away late because that really hasn't been his go so far … I thought it was his best win.

"He's pulled up great from the run and is raring to go so he's all set for Thursday night.

"He's not the greatest dog in the world but he'll do until I find a better one!"

Louis Rumble has drawn box seven for the star-studded finale featuring some of Australia's brightest sprinting prospects.

"In 12 months we'll look at the form of this race and see some group 1 winners," Kavanagh said.

"Kevin Ellis' young dog Impact is very smart as is Orchestrate and Jungle Deuce and the Victorians. It's just a terrific race."

Thursday night's Flying Amy Classic will be the second time Louis Rumble and Jungle Deuce have matched motors after the pair clashed in the Group 3 New Sensation (520m) at Wentworth Park in April.

On that occasion it was Jungle Deuce which proved successful, scoring in a blinding 29.31 seconds.

"In that series my dog won his heat in 29.61 and finished second in the final running 29.61 – it's hard to ask more than that," Kavanagh said.

"If Jungle Deuce begins like he did that night on Thursday then full credit to him. For my dog to have a chance he's got to come out clean and find the front."

Kavanagh says it's fantastic that Queensland racing honour Flying Amy with a race of such significance each year.

"I never had anything race her and I am glad I didn't," Kavanagh said.

"She was a plain looking bitch; short tail, short jaw but boy was she something special on the track.

"She's one of the best bitches I've ever seen without question."

Kavanagh is of course no stranger to the hallmarks of a champion greyhound, responsible for the great Brother Fox, which like Flying Amy, sits proudly in the Hall of Fame.