The nation's leading greyhounds will converge on the Manukau Stadium tonight chasing spots in next Thursday's $120,000 Auckland Cup and $20,000 Railway Sprint.
Five heats will be contested for the Auckland Cup over 527 metres, while the speed merchants will contest six heats over 318 metres.
Leading localAuckland Cup fancies include the recent Wellington Cup winner Riddle Man, although there is some concern following his battling effort for fourth in his final lead-up race last Sunday.
Trainer David Schofield has had Fancy Shelly firing around the northern tracks over recent weeks, including a searing front-running 30.11s win here two weeks ago.
Schofield also has back-up chasers in Appointed Thyme, She's Too Cool and the Platinum Paws runner-up Yambla Jack engaged.
Last year's winning trainers Dave and Jean Fahey have a potent seven-dog team chasing Cup honours.
The talented Johnny Midnight is supported by New Zealand Cup winner Rockabye Lad, along with Winsome Uno, Winsome Bucks, Winsome Merc, Sensative Harry and last Sunday's impressive winner McCracken.
The Railway sprint heats have an even more cut-throat nature about them as the John McInerney-trained Another Gale returns to defend the title she won last year. Kennel mates Pizza Girl and the promising Another Baxter hold sound qualifying claims.
Schofield will parade Winsome Light as his leading chance, while Canterbury trainer Di Roberts has been dominating the recent Auckland open-class sprints with Taliesin Blue and Wild St Teddy.
Black Tie, a Railway finalist last year, returned to racing after a spell with a dashing Palmerston North win on Monday. He won the Galaxy sprint at Addington on New Zealand Cup night.
