KEY POINTS:
BATHURST - New Zealand drivers Greg Murphy and Jason Richards seem to be the forgotten pairing of the 2007 Bathurst 1000.
Murphy is a four-time winner, while Richards was second in 2005.
Their Tasman Motorsport Holden has been off the pace all year, rarely featuring in the top five.
But sixth fastest time in Thursday's practice session was a promising early sign in the lead up to Sunday's race.
Bookmakers have the pair in the fifth line of betting at 13-1, shorter than the quickest man in practice, Steven Johnson, and his Ford teammate Will Davison at 21-1.
"I think we can do very well despite not having the raw pace of the top four teams," said Richards.
"Greg is only behind Mark Skaife (out of current drivers) in terms of (Bathurst) race wins, and I like the track, which I think gives us a great chance.
"I expect we will race the same way as at Sandown.
"It is likely I will qualify as I have the better times than Greg this year, although he does hold the record at Bathurst so it would be strange to see him sit it out.
"Having said that, Greg has been getting off the line well, so he would be likely to take the first stint. If I do qualify I would like to do better than my fourth last year and aim for a podium."
The Triple Eight Ford of Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup are favourites with TAB Sportsbet at A$3.75, with series leaders Rick Kelly and Garth Tander at A$4.
Holden Racing Team duo Mark Skaife and Todd Kelly are rated a A$4.50 chance.
And while defending champions Lowndes and Whincup are the favoured pairing, Holden is the favoured manufacturer at A$1.80, with Ford at A$1.95.
- AAP
