Dust and Sand set

SEASONED campaigner Dust and Sand looks hard to beat in the main event, the SBA Office National Lightning Paws Final over the 537m journey at Winnellie Park tonight.

Trained by one of Darwin’s best in Graeme Ferns, he has the class edge on his rivals and from box eight should get a clear run to the first turn.

No doubt he will still need to be at his best as kennelmates Rapido and Miss Mamie are capable on their night. As well, young up-and-comer Miss Slab, although up in grade, continues to impress over the longer distance.

Apart from the main event, there is plenty of quality racing on the night.

Some of the better chances include the Peter Donnolley-trained Gossip Park in race two.

Gossip Park stretches out to the 383m trip where he will race down in grade and should be hard to beat.

Andrew Lasker may have unearthed a promising youngster and in race five Cairnlea Sadie can go on with the job after winning at her first race start last week. You would think she can progress from that experience tonight.

Leta Smith would be hopeful of a good night and in race seven Balkan Babe has been improving with each start in Darwin and she does get her chance to break through, while kennelmate Ringbark Lana in race nine has claims as well.

Others to keep an eye on include Swansea Shannon in race three for Ferns, Nash Road Kylie in race six for Jamie Hosking and Ashby Blast for in-form trainer Ron Phillips in race eight.

First race is at 6.18pm on a nine-race program, which will again provide good competitive racing on the night in Darwin.