Palmerston North greyhound trainer Lisa Ahern holds the key to the likely outcome of both open class races at Hatrick this evening.
Ahern, whose constant flow of winners for the season at 344 continues unabated, is lining up three key prospects in the Wanganui Chronicle main 520m event (Race 10).
Mark's Boy stylishly won last Friday's edition of this race and he then went on to take out the Manawatu open class 457m race on Monday - with both wins being delivered in meeting-best times.
His task this evening is slightly tougher owing to him drawing out in trap eight.
A quick break from out there can see him vying for the early pace when heading into the first turn.
The smart Timma Turtle is resuming from a month away from racing after he had also helped himself to a pair of back-to-back 520m and 457m wins.
The recent Hatrick Group 1 520m fourth place-getter Absinthe Minded endured a luckless 520m outing last Friday.
Receiving an improved draw (three) this evening enhances his claims.
The biggest dangers to the Ahern-prepared trio include Paul Dozer, who has drawn nicely in trap one for Angela Turnwald, while the Matt Roberts-trained Cawbourne Brick is returning to 520m racing after his strong last start 645m win.
The short course sprinters contest the Laser Plumbing 305m dash (Race 9) which sees Ahern's 305m track record holder Allegro Gun returning after having a month off.
He has been treated kindly by the draw after being allocated trap two to leap from.
Kennelmate Skuzi is also likely to enjoy his wide trap eight draw which presents him with swooping claims.
Turnwald produced Lover to easily win last Friday's 305m open class sprint in 17.30s.
Drawing out in trap seven says he must begin smartly if he's going to serve up a repeat dose.
His kennelmate Kennel Boy can provide cheek from the one trap, while the ultra consistent Friday evening sprinter Sedgebrook Babe must also be respected.
Completely overlook her miss last Friday for her trainer Freddy Kite when she was forced to race wide when rounding the bend.