Can Ricciardo Topple Simon In Megastar?

IT's arguably the biggest test in Australian greyhound racing and tonight at Dapto it rests firmly at the feet of Flying Ricciardo.

That test is defeating a rampaging Simon Told Helen, the four-time group 1 winning Victorian set to start a red hot favourite for an absorbing Group 1 Sportsbet Dapto Megastar Final (520m).

For Flying Ricciardo, the budding superstar of Australian greyhound racing, the task at hand to win tonight's $75,000-to-the-winner showstopper couldn't be more demanding.

Not only does he need to give away both age and experience to topple the reigning Australian Greyhound of the Year, he also has to concede box advantage to do so.

The pair head into the rich final off very different heat wins.

Simon Told Helen broke the clock at his Dapto debut to run 29.36 while Flying Ricciardo was tradesman-like recording 29.96, a week after running a sizzling 29.47 in a trial.

Such is the dominance the pair take into tonight's flagship south coast event, they are the only two runners quoted under double figure odds with bookmakers.

Simon Told Helen is $1.50 from his box one draw while Flying Ricciardo is quoted at $3.90 drawn right beside him in two.

The box draw has only added to the intrigue ahead of tonight's clash with the question really two-fold?

Can Simon Told Helen repeat last week's near record breaking performance at his Dapto debut?

And secondly, and perhaps more importantly, can Flying Ricciardo begin well enough to apply enough pressure to cross Simon Told Helen in the drive to the first corner?

One thing that's abundantly clear about the hugely talented duo is that neither is prepared to give an inch in transit.

And it's that potential trouble racing side-by-side that has rival connections clinging to some hope of an upset result.

If Flying Ricciardo wins tonight's Megastar it will only further solidify his standing as the country's most exciting juvenile sprinter.

Winner at 18 of his 22 career starts with a further three seconds, the son of Barcia Bale and Megalodon, owned and trained by a proud as punch Kristy Sultana, only turned two this week.

His list of achievements thus far, all shy of 24 months mind you, have been profound, already banking $150,000 in stakes.

Already boasting group 2 success in the Black Top in September, the top flight youngster has also annexed both feature events associated with the Ladbrokes Gold Muzzle Auction.

His winning times are something to behold as well, possessing brilliant early speed and equally impressive run homes.

The elite do it at both ends … a bracket Flying Ricciardo firmly finds himself.

In fact, the only time he's missed a place was in the finale of the TAB Million Dollar Chase where he conceded significant age and experience to his opposition.

Whatever the result of tonight's Megastar, Flying Ricciardo has a huge few months ahead.

To think in the coming weeks and months he falls back into age classics like the Silver Chief and National Derby is a daunting proposition for his rivals.

Win, lose or draw tonight the son of Barcia Bale is on the cusp of a huge 2021, the prodigious talent displaying all the hallmarks of being the best NSW sprinting export we've seen in years.

And victory tonight would only strengthen that sentiment.