Intriguing field for feature final

Group two racing features at the Hatrick Raceway this evening where the Wellington Greyhound Club hosts the $12,600 Brownzy Sports Bar North Shore New Zealand Futurity final.

Six competitive heats last Friday delivered some interesting results which has led to an intriguing field that will be loaded away into the 520m traps.

Posting the swiftest of those heats was the Karen Walsh-trained Victorious Gem, who flew through her heat in a slick 29.77 seconds.

She has drawn the eight-trap tonight, which isn't exactly the best trap to start from at the 520m start.

However, her slippery early pace can see her negating that as Walsh suggests.

She can accelerate brilliantly when she hits the ground and she can lead them throughout by doing so. She has thrived since last week's heat.

The recent NZ Derby winner Spitfire Osti was the next quickest when he posted his 29.93 second heat win. Obviously he must be respected here.

"He has been getting better and better since the Derby," commented trainer Carolyn Hore.

"He has pulled up super from his heat and he is ready for a big race on Friday,"

Palmerston North trainer Lisa Ahern, who produced six winners during Wednesday's meeting, will provide two finalists.

Renee Ranger qualified by being the fastest second place finisher, while Sammy James lead all-the-way to clock 30.03 seconds in his heat.

"Renee Ranger is an improver from last week's heats," Ahern said. "He has drawn [three] to quickly get down to the rail and from there he can set up the pace.

"Sammy James is a true 'bread and butter' type of dog who will keep on giving everything he can.

"Both have come through their heats really well and both have worked up real good during the week," confirmed Ahern.

Will it be a fairy tale result for Kiwi Girl's young Whakatane trainer James Black in his first ever group race?

He will be loading away his pride and joy into the six trap after her bold 30.23 second heat win.

"I'm just excited that she has made a group race. She is consistent, raring to go and providing she jumps [trap-six] okay I expect her to be competitive," Black suggested.

And the Wellington undercard tonight has attracted some outstanding fields.

The NZ Futurity consolation is a cracker; a strong field of stayers has been assembled for the 645m distance feature and the 305m feature sprint event promises to be a sizzling dash.