Wall to wall open class races at Hatrick

It is a night of New Zealand greyhound stars at Hatrick this evening as the nation's leading chasers converge at the venue to contest heats for two Group race finals.

An unprecedented ten open class races will be conducted this evening – at stake are field places for next Friday's rich finals.

The Spion Rose Cup contenders will square off in four 520 heats (Races 3-6) where the first two finishers in each heat will be rewarded with a place in the $45,420 final at Group 1 level.

Straight out speed merchants will be sighted contesting six 305m heats for the Dash For Cash (Races 7-12).

The field for next week's $15,825 Group 2 final will comprise of the six heat winners along with the two quickest second place finishers.

The first Spion Rose Cup heat field is a beauty where a solid winning claim can be made for at least five of the runners.

Included is the recent New Zealand Cup runner up Cactus Jack.

Joining him in it are the third placed Avenger Bale along with Allen Ablett who was the fourth placed NZ Cup finisher.

The inclusion of the proven Hatrick 520m chasers Thrilling Raider and Allegro Gun in this heat illustrates how competitive it is.

Heat two features the presence of the New Zealand Cup winner Nature's Gent.

He will match his paws with the multiple Group race winner Opawa Shackley.

Bigtime Vanessa is likely to be sighted strongly making his presence felt at the business end.

The third heat features the 2016 New Zealand Cup winner American Warrior.

Bigtime Levi has been flying lately, while the recent misses by the pacey Dirk Bale can be best forgotten.

Opawa Timo was the first New Zealand-bred greyhound to finish in the NZ Cup where he came fifth.

Onto the fourth heat, which features this season's Wanganui Cup winner Ride Ain't Over.
Bigtime Paddy makes his welcome return to Hatrick after his recent Melbourne Cup heat fourth place finish.

The talented Vikings is resuming from a spell, while Me Jane can be expected to be sighted vying for the early race lead from her kind draw.

Those four heats leads into the six Dash For Cash heats where white hot 305m sprinting action is guaranteed.

In heat order look for Bigtime Blackie, Bigtime Stu, Hypocritical, Birdie Tee, One Cold Foot and Danny Dee to book their return for next week's final.