Black Magic Opal has taken no harm from his unplaced effort in a heat of the Group 1 Sportingbet Paws Of Thunder at Wentworth Park and will line-up in heat two of tonight's Group 2 Warragul Cup (460m).
Black Magic Opal missed the start from box five at Wentworth Park and was checked around the first turn when sixth behind Veyron Bale but has come through the assignment unscathed according to trainer, Jason Thompson.
"He pulled up good," he said. "The dog just doesn't have any luck when we take him to Wentworth Park, but that race is over now and we're looking forward to Sunday."
Black Magic Opal, who will start from box four at Warragul, has started once at the track for an impressive win in very fast 25.59.
He should have little trouble progressing through to the January 24 final, setting up a rematch with the Kel Greenough-trained Paw Licking, who lowered the track record when he beat Black Magic Opal in the Group 1 Hobart Thousand.
Paw Licking will start from box seven in heat three and has won one of his two starts at the track in a near record 25.55.
Thompson has strong claims of qualifying two runners for the final with Whata Good Size nicely placed in box two for the first of six heats.
Like his kennelmate Whata Good Size has won his only start at the track in 26.23.
"He's racing well, is nicely drawn and I expect him to go close," Thompson said.
In heat four last start Cranbourne Cup winner Banjo Boy (box seven) will clash with proven group performer Farmor Las Vegas (box eight).
