A musher competing in the upcoming Yukon Quest sled dog race has backed his canine team for success.

Josh Cadzow told the Anchorage Daily News his animals are shaping up well for the February 6th 2010 kick-off in Alaska.

He said two of his squad, Toby and Stick, are working well together, explaining the former is the brains of the outfit, while the latter provides raw speed.

Discussing his chances of beating Lance Mackey, who has already won the event three times, the 22-year-old said although he holds the Fairbanks veteran in high regard, toppling him is not impossible.

"I look up to Mackey," he said. "It’ll be hard to beat him, but I’m out in the woods and I know about dogs. I just gotta learn about how to race."

The draw for the 1,000-mile event was held recently, which saw Cadzow put in 21st place out of 24.

Abbie West will go first, with Mackey starting 11th and Peter Fleck bringing up the rear.