Kokinakas Valley has been tearing it up at Bathurst in recent weeks but faces a tough test tonight at Bulli on his debut at the track.
The John Buttsworth-trained greyhound has amassed a solid career record to-date, winning five races from nine starts including four wins at his local Bathurst.
The son of Don't Knocka Him from Aralakka Valley is establishing himself as a short-course specialist, scoring all of his wins so far over 300m.
As well as making his track debut tonight, it will also be Kokinakas Valley's first trip over 400m and Buttsworth is unsure of how his chaser will handle it.
"It's all trial and error with him in this race," Buttsworth said. “It's his first time at the track and he is also stepping up for the first time as well.
"I'm hoping he can do well but all I can do is wait and see how he handles it. “
Buttsworth hopes that a favourable box draw will make the task a little easier for his greyhound.
"He's got box one which will be good because he likes to use a bit of the track and it's always handy at a new track."
At the moment Buttsworth has no concrete plans for the greyhound's future but hopes his run tonight will open up some options.
"I'll take him back to Bathurst for the time being but if he can run out the 400m tonight then I'll probably start looking around the place for a few different races,” Buttsworth said.
Along with Kokinakas Valley, Buttsworth has two other greyhounds engaged at tonight's meet in Ladbrokes 0-1 wins heats (472m).
Buttsworth is cautious but quietly confident that Screen Legend (race three, box eight) and Equal Ben (race five, box one) will put in a good showing in their respective heats.
"Screen Legend is a very handy pup but it's a really good field and he will need a lot luck from out wide if he's going to win," says Buttsworth.
"Equal Ben can run but he's a bit slow early. He's very strong though so hopefully he can come through right at the finish."
Another stand-out on the card tonight at Bulli is the Christine Proctor-trained Sokyo, who was impressive winner here last week after coming from the rear of the field to claim victory.
He will jump from box seven in race nine and will face off with the likes of Neil Staines' Country Fox and the in-form Ha Ha Snow who will be searching for a fourth win from his past five starts.
For Bulli Friday fields, expert analysis and top picks, click here.
