Space Star was odds-on favourite in his heat of the Ladbrokes Summer Distance Plate and no doubt start "in the red" again after drawing his favourite position, box eight, in Saturday's Group 2 final.
Before the draw for Saturday night’s Summer Distance Plate heats Victorian trainer Robbie Britton declared: "I hope Space Star gets box eight."
Space Star did indeed carry the pink rug and gave a sizzling exhibition to lead from the first turn before winning by nine lengths in 42.20, outstanding time on the wet track.
Starc, trained by Victoria’s Andrea Dailly for Sydneysiders Shaun Evans and Chris Nutt, will be the only greyhound backed to beat Space Star.
Starc came from fourth on the first turn and second at the top of the straight to win his heat in 42.47.
The dog had box two in his heat and has drawn perfectly on the rails in the final.
While he needs to "find time" to beat Space Star, part-owner Nutt gives the dog a great chance.
"Starc should improve because he had never seen Wentworth Park before the heats," Nutt said.
Box draw for the Summer Distance Plate is: 1. Starc 2. Smooth Number 3. Serena Nimbus 4. Double Rinse 5. Zipping Rory 6. Big Kat 7. Pumped Up Zarr 8. Space Star 9. Raramuri 10. Joane
