The field for this year’s AGRA Group 1 National Championships is starting to take shape with finalists confirmed from four of the six competing states.
Chica Destacada and Queen Marina will represent NSW in the forthcoming Sprint and Distance deciders after impressive state victories but some formidable opposition now awaits for the Group 1 finals at Cannington in Western Australia.
In the Sprint division, in-form Crackerjack Dak will carry the hopes of Victoria after winning the state's Sprint final at The Meadows over the weekend. The $4.60 chance took advantage of his draw on the rail, leading all the way and claiming victory in 30.54.
Meanwhile, Flash Reality will represent Queensland on the back of some stunning form in recent weeks, including five successive wins at Albion Park. Tony Brett's flying sprinter will head west as the new kid on the racing block but is certain to bea heavily considered in the National Sprint Championships (530m), which take place at Cannington on Saturday, August 23.
SA contender Wild Soul cannot be discounted either.
He is a solid competitor with 20 wins from 48 starts and trainer Kim Johnstone believes the Cannington track will suit her charge.
Another winning chance will be Tasmanian Buckle Up Wes, who earned an automatic berth courtesy of his victory in the Tasmanian heat.
The flying sprinter, whose triumph secured him one of the Wild cards regardless of his performance in the state final, has a superb 28 wins from 47 starts and could be too tough to catch with a favourable box draw.
Chica Destacada will certainly be competiive though and has at least already enjoyed a taste of the Perth track.
Doreen Drynan's handy campaigner had two runs in the WA Oaks just a few weeks ago.
Cannington will also host the 715m AGRA National Distance Championship on the same night.
Noelene Holloway will carry NSW hopes after Queen Marina led all the way to claim victory in the state's final.
Queen Marina was an impressive winner but she will have her work cut out to claim the National crown.
Token Mclaren was a commanding SA final winner and could be hard to beat at the Nationals.
He has 23 wins from 51 starts and has been imperious since stepping up to the longer distance late last year.
Queensland's Wag Tail squeezed past Rain Stream in the state final but with 18 wins from 48 starts he demands consideration.
The other hopefuls will include Victorian Sweet It Is, who is in flying form with nine consecutive placings.
Most eyes are likely to be trained on fellow Victorian Xylia Allen, who will surely be heavily favoured for victory in Perth.
The queen of Australian sprinting - now a formidable stayer to boot - has enjoyed a superb year and saw off Sweet It Is in a thrilling state final at Sandown Park.
She will be aiming to become the second greyhound to win the National Distance Championship after claiming the National Sprint Championship, which she did in 2013.
The full fields and box draws for both races will be finalised after the Tasmanian and WA finals.
The Tasmanian Sprint titles take place on Monday night, with the WA state title this Saturday.
Both National finals carry $75,000 to the winners.
