Another unique Group 1 father/son training quinella looms as a distinct possibility.
"He a tough, hard chasing dog who is thriving on his racing," said Craig Roberts.
"Nothing fazes him, he's a good dog and I reckon he knows that.
"Yes, he will need a little bit of early luck from the four [trap], however if he can settle just behind the pacemakers then he should be too strong for his rivals. His run home times are super."
Matty Roberts said he was "rapt" when his charge drew the inside box.
"At least he has a chance of setting up the early pace again, which is what he must do. I'm happy with him going into the final."
The local Nathan Udy-trained Fabio produced the second fastest of the four heat times when he stopped the clock in 30.39s.
Fabio draws nicely in trap two from where he is sure to be competitive.
"I'm very happy with him. He is a railing dog, so his draw is ideal," said Udy.
"It would be great if he can get an early forward sit on the rail from where he can hopefully make his presence felt." Northern trainer Steve Clark provided the race quinella last year and tonight he will have 30.51s heat winner Spud Missile representing his kennel.
"He must lead them out, pinch a break on them down the back and then kick on strongly," said Clark, who confirmed his charge is cherry ripe for the feature.
Shadow Apache has won seven straight races for Canterbury trainers Dave and Jean Fahey since he crossed the Tasman.
This includes his 30.62s heat win for this final.
Racing from box 8 tonight he has a chance to swoop on his rivals.
The Lisa Ahern-prepared Kissing Gwyneth looms as possibly the best of the rest as she has the ability to race handy from the outset.
