After the brilliant performance from Lennytheshark in heat 2 of the Inter Dominions tonight at Gloucester Park, it would have been a very brave man who suggested that he could be beaten in the series.
However just an hour later in heat three, Philadelphia Man reminded fans on course that he was more than capable of upsetting the favourite.
Allowed to come out at his own speed by driver Gavin Lang as Mach Beauty and Bettors Fire went to war early, Philadelphia Man slotted in three back in the running line through the first couple of laps.
Flushed out at the 700 metres mark, Philadelphia Man quickly ranged up alongside Mach Beauty and Avonnova at the 500 metres mark.
Mach Beauty stopped shortly after leaving the two experienced grand circuit campaigners to fight out the finish.
The seven-year-old son of Art Major gradually wore down Avonnova for a very impressive win with Gavin Lang all smiles post race.
" It's not a bad effort to sit three wide from the 700 and still wear down a tough campaigner like Avonnova."
" They went so hard up front, he was always going to be a big chance to run over them late."
"He was having a little bit of trouble on the bends but he should be so much better for the experience tonight," Gavin said.
The third heat of the series was the quickest of the night after the early burn with the 2138 metres being cut out in 2:30.6, a mile rate of 1:53.8 with closing sectionals of 56.6 and 27.8.
So while Lennytheshark was brilliant in heat two, Philadelphia Man served notice in heat three that he won't go down without a huge fight.
Harnesslink Media