Top contenders looking to go the distance

The powerful stayer Ring The Bell threw down the gauntlet to the younger stayers at Hatrick last week when this nearly $400,000 career winner delivered an emphatic statement in his 44.81s heat win over the demanding 755m distance.

He returns to Hatrick this evening seeking to add another Group 1 title to his ultra impressive CV in this evening's $27,465 Wanganui Distance final.

Ring The Bell, who is conditioned by Greyhound Racing NZ Hall of Fame trainer Ray Adcock, was ruthless when he stalked the pace setters while sitting on the rail in last Friday's heat.

Turning for home he unleashed a strong finish, which carried him clear of his opponents to score by a comfortable 3.5 length margin.

"He's a one pace dog who is such a true, genuine stayer and he proved that again in his heat," said Adcock.

"The harder they go early the better he will be suited as he'll use his strength during the run home.

"He's great and he's on track for Friday."

Dusty Gambler prevailed in the other heat for his trainer Karen Walsh.

He clocked 45.07s for his heat win after racing handy to the pace throughout.

He is unbeaten in three staying races since he crossed the Tasman and his trainer warns there is improvement from last week in her charge.

"He had a minor injury and I had to ease his work load going into his heat," said Walsh.

"He has responded really well since then and I'm confident he'll improve for this Friday as he has come through his heat perfectly."

Palmerston North trainer Bill Hodgson is rapt about his stayer Nitehawk Rose drawing the one trap.

She is likely to stay down on the rail from where she will maintain a solid gallop after her heat second to Ring The Bell.

"I couldn't be happier with her or her draw which means she'll stick to the rail all the way instead of having to go looking for it," said Hodgson.

"She's all set for a big effort."

Leading Canterbury trainers Dave and Jean Fahey has qualified four finalists with Translator, despite drawing out in trap eight, being their leading prospect.

The noted railer certainly won't flinch at any stage of her assignment.

Her kennelmate Vicky Keeping looms as the possible combo's booster, while the Hayley Mullane prepared Cristiane Cyborg is expected to have benefited from her first look at racing over an extreme distance following her heat fourth last week.