Striker Light's owner George Farrugia gives his greyhound a great chance to take out the Group 1 Ladbrokes Paws Of Thunder (race eight, 520m).
While NSW duo Brad Hill Billy and Falcon's Fury were fastest heat winners, covering the 520m in 29.94 and 29.95 respectively, Striker Light's sectional times of 5.45, 13.68 and 17.80 were easily the best of the night.
After setting up a huge lead at the half-way mark, Striker Light faded in the straight to win by two lengths in 30.01.
"Striker Light has fantastic early pace but is a bit weak at the finish of 520m," Farrugia said.
"But from box two, trainer Brett Bravo and I expect her to lead again and being in front is always an advantage in big races. We have a healthy respect for Falcon's Fury though and if he is sitting right behind Striker Light on the back straight he will almost certainly run us down."
Striker Light is currently priced at $3.20 with Ladbrokes.
Farrugia, who has been a leading Melbourne greyhound journalist for 17 years, owns five race dogs and 10 puppies.
"I bought Striker Light from NSW western districts breeder Toby Weekes after she had been educated but was unraced," Farrugia said.
"I did not pay a lot of money for her because at that stage nobody knew if she could run 500 metres."
Falcon's Fury ($3.10), unbeaten in four Wentworth Park starts, has box seven and trainer Paul Braddon is confident his greyhound will keep the $75,000 cheque in NSW hands.
"As long as he does not miss the jump like he did when he won his heat, Falcon's Fury should be well suited by box seven as I expect him to run in a straight line from the boxes to the first bend," Braddon said.
Meanwhile, Brad Hill Billy ($8, pictured left), a runner-up in last year's Golden Easter Egg, will have to overcome an awkward draw in box five if he is take out Saturday's Group 1 and take his career earnings past $300,000.
The Ray Smith-trained greyhound has four wins from the squeeze box, but will need to begin well to be any chance at the finish.
The Ladbrokes Paws Of Thunder is race eight on the 10-race card at Wentworth Park and will jump at 9.50pm.
Jeff Collerson's selections
Best Bet: Burn One Down (Race 6)
Best Value: Black Hole Sun (Race 5)
Quaddie
Race 5 - 8, 6, 7
Race 6 - 7, 8
Race 7 - 1, 6
Race 8 - 7, 2, 1
$20 for 55.55%
