Racing: Karakatsanis sets sights on Ramornie victory

Photo / Thinkstock

Promising sprinter Howmuchdoyouloveme faces a moment of truth in the A$150,000 Ramornie Handicap at Grafton today.

Howmuchdoyouloveme takes on open company for the first time and the 3-year-old is second favourite to win the famous sprint in New South Wales.

In TAB fixed odds betting, Magic Cassius has been installed $2.60 favourite with Howmuchdoyouloveme (Brenton Avdulla) at $4.20.

The Karakatsanis family has been trying to win the Ramornie since trainer Con's father Tony campaigned with Little Lucifer in 1998.

"The Ramornie is the race I've wanted to win my whole career," Karakatsanis said.

"It means a lot to the family. I'm sure it's going to be quite emotional."

Karakatsanis will also saddle up Riva De Lago, the subject of a jockey dispute scheduled to be settled an hour before the first race. He has listed Matthew Bennett for the mount but Sydney apprentice Josh Adams is claiming he was booked for the ride.

Howmuchdoyouloveme and Riva De Lago worked together last Friday.

"They went to the line head and head," Karakatsanis said. "Everything is perfect and I couldn't be happier with both horses."

Standing in the way of Karakatsanis' plans is Magic Cassius, a winner of five of seven starts.

"So far everything has gone to plan," Gosford trainer Angela Davies said. "I'd prefer a dry track to use his greatest asset, speed, but wet ground won't worry him."

- AAP