Distance feature baptism for stars

GREYHOUND racing returns to Winnellie Park tonight with a solid nine-race program commencing at 6.09pm.

The main race is the SBA Office National Sprint over the tough 537m distance.

This has brought together a competitive line-up which includes three dogs stepping out to this journey for the first time in Humble for Graeme Ferns, Lochele (Russell Savige) and Before The Fire (Chris Blackman).

All three appear to be major players in this race as they have handy form, and on previous exposed form it looks likely they will appreciate this trip.

Their main dangers could be the Leta Smith pair of Ringbark Lana and Balkan Babe, as well as Buster Norris for Simon Nathanael.

The quality races do not stop there, and in the open race-seven sprint over 383m last-start winner Dust And

The main race will see three dogs step up in distance for the first time

Sand drops back in distance.

Coming out of box eight he could prove hard to stop, but will face stiff opposition from the likes of Mileeka (Nathanael) and Gossip Park (Peter Donnolley) who have strong credentials on this journey.

Other better hopes on the night include Fabulous Chance in race one who is looking to go back to back for Blackman, the consistent Matilda Road in race three for Ron Phillips, Sunset Licorice in race five for Ferns and Our Josie in the last for Steele Bolton.

Gates will be open from 4.30pm.