In nearly 50 years in the industry, he rates as one of the best dogs that's ever come through the couple’s Kanahooka kennels.

Fittingly, the son of Oaks Road out of Where’s Kitty could also be the one to provide Richardson with a maiden group 1 this week. In the biggest race of his young career, Sunburnt Highway will contest the group 1 Beteasy Dapto Megastar (520m) on Thursday.

"We are very nervy because he is a genuine contender," John Richardson said.

“He is way above average.

“We have had dogs for 50 years. In that time we have had some handy ones, but he right up there. He is the quickest sprinter we have had. He is a very strong dog.”

The Richardson’s were originally based in Kiama, but have lived just a couple of minutes from the Dapto Showground since 1992.

It makes the Megastar the couple’s ‘home’ group 1.

Their lightly-raced pup Sunburnt Highway is a $12 hope with the the TAB to take out the $75,000-to-the-winner feature.

"Being the only one in the final from the Illawarra, it would be wonderful to win it,” Richardson said.

"To run a place even, we would even be over the moon.

"We aren’t noted as a big time trainer but we have made group 1 finals before.

“On the other occasions though we knew they needed to be lucky to win, but with him it's a different kettle of fish."

Sunburnt Highway booked his spot in the Megastar after finishing runner-up behind Peter Mantach’s Benkennie Chic in last week’s heats.

The rising star copped a check at the first turn before rallying down the back straight to finish 3-¾ lengths behind Benkennie Chic (29.67 seconds).

He will meet a red-hot field again in the decider, but Richardson believes he has continued to improve throughout this preparation. Sunburnt Highway has drawn box five for the final.

"Believe it or not we are happy with the draw," Richardson said.

"He will hopefully move off the track to get up near the lead at that first turn.

"You obviously need a lot of luck still because all these dogs are obviously very good dogs as well."

Sky Wave, trained by Victor Sultana, holds favouritism at $2.50 for the final. The bitch by Don’t Knocka Him won through last week's heats in 29.75 and has drawn out in box eight.