Preview: Novak Can Ace ‘Em In Vic Peters Classic

TRAINER Jason Magri holds two aces ahead of Saturday night's heats of the Group 1 age classics at Wentworth Park – the Vic Peters and Peter Mosman Opal.

The Vic Peters is contested by dogs while the bitches compete in the Peter Mosman Opal with both 520m races open to pups whelped on or after March 1, 2020.

Magri puts the polish on a leading contender in each of the two $75,000 to-the-winner races – Our Amelia in the Peter Mosman Opal and Zipping Novak in the Vic Peters.

FIELDS AND FORM WENTWORTH PARK SATURDAY NIGHT

Our Amelia sits on the fifth line of betting in TAB.com.au's all-in market for the Peter Mosman Opal at $8 behind series favourite Yuko Girl at $4.60 while Zipping Novak is the $4 series favourite for the Vic Peters.

Magri described Zipping Novak as a ‘rocks or diamonds' type of race dog that is "as fast as any dog" he's trained.

The two-year-old dog with a Wentworth Park personal best of 29.65 seconds, returned from a hock injury at Bulli on June 21 when the son of Zulu Zeus clocked a meeting best 26.14 over the 472m journey.

Zipping Novak has drawn box eight in his heat on Saturday night where he will clash with The Thunderbolt winner Integrity Mate (Box 3), Victorian speedster Red Reactor (Box 2) and Jodie Lord's sharp performer What About That (Box 7) which has recorded a slick 29.79 at Wentworth Park.

"He's as fast as any dog I've trained but his box manners bring him back to the pack," Magri said.

"I don't really like the draw for him on Saturday because he's hit or miss at the start.

"If he was to come out running it could work out OK for him but there's more chance that he won't and if he does miss the kick the draw won't suit him.

"It's all going to come down to how he comes out.

"He's got so much natural ability but he's a very frustrating dog to train.

"I've just got my fingers crossed for Saturday night. That's the type of dog he is."

Zipping Novak is the $2.90 favourite for the last of three heats of the Vic Peters while Our Amelia is a $5 chance in her heat behind the $2.50 favourite French Martini and Victoria star Yahiro Bale at $2.70 off the red.

Unlike Zipping Novak, Our Amelia is reliable at box rise having clocked between 5.43 and 5.50 to the first mark in each of her nine previous Wentworth Park starts.

Magri says the 27-month-old daughter of Zambora Brockie is at the top of her game ahead of the series with her 29.67 personal best time at Wentworth Park being the third-fastest performance by a runner in the Peter Mosman Opal.

"She's a very fast bitch," Magri said. "She'll get down to (29.) 50 at Wenty, that's how fast she is.

"The thing about her is she has to lead because she doesn't like a bit of pressure on her outside.

"I don't mind the mid-draw for her, I think she's quite well boxed on Saturday night.

"She's a reliable beginner that will run around 5.45 to the mark.

"I know French Martini is in the race, a very fast bitch, but if my bitch is in front of her, she won't run her down.

"If she can come out running I think she's got a great chance.

"She's on song going into the series, she's got her box. It's up to her now."

There are also only three heats in the Peter Mosman Opal meaning the winners and runners-up as well as the two fastest third placegetters will make it through to the finals of both races on Saturday, July 9.