Azzopardi Realistic Ahead Of Richmond Riches

PETER Azzopardi is nothing if not realistic.

The Londonderry trainer well aware that Friday night will likely be the first and only time his charge You Know Why contests a race worth $40,000 to-the-winner.

And with that being the case, Azzopardi is hopeful that his well-bred chaser can make the most of the opportunity when she takes her place from box two in the Richmond Riches Final (535m) at the western Sydney circuit.

"Being realistic you'd think it'll be the only time she'll race for that kind of money in her career," Azzopardi said.

"I'm more hopeful than confident but drawing box two has given her some kind of hope. The better chances have drawn the middle so if they find some trouble early and we get some luck you never know. We are there – so we have a chance."

From a breeding perspective, You Know Why, a fast finishing 31.14 heat winner last Friday night, lacks absolutely nothing.

The brindle bitch is a daughter of Collision and Funky Punk, from a family renowned for producing top quality stock.

"We paid $5,000 for her at the Auction so if she wins on Friday night she'll become a pretty cheap buy," Azzopardi said.

"She's no champion but what I will say about her is that she's improving every time she goes around which is what you want.

"Early on she was running a lot of placings through inexperience but slowly and slowly she just keeps learning and getting better.

"She trialled Tuesday morning and went nice. I couldn't be happier with her going into the race on Friday."

You Know Why is a $14 chance with Tab.com.au for Friday night's finale where the $2.40 favourite is slashing 30.68 heat winner Sanctify for Peter Lagogiane.

Second favourite is the Charlie Riccio-trained Gone By Noon at $2.60, winner of her heat in 31.00.

"They are definitely the two to beat – they've got the runs on the board," Azzopardi said.

"Especially Peter's dog (Sanctify) with the way he went last week.

"We'll need a lot to go our way but we are there and a lot better chance than if we had run third last week and been sitting at home!"

RICHMOND FIELDS & FORM FRIDAY NIGHT

In the money at 10 of her 16 starts and with a 30.22 Wentworth Park maiden win beside her name, Peter says he and father Luke will likely breed with You Know Why down the track.

"I think she can win a couple of city races if she keeps improving like she is we will probably breed with her pedigree," Azzopardi said.

"And a win Friday night wouldn't hurt that either!"