Whitfield and Harrows have each won their only start and they clash in race 10 (450 metres) at Maitland, which was added last Thursday to tracks GRNSW is using in its regional plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

GRNSW made the change in response to concerns from Hunter zone participants about racing only at the tight Gardens circuit.

"I'm glad Maitland's back and I'm sure a lot of trainers are," Thomas said.

"It gives opportunities to dogs who don't race well at The Gardens. [Whitfield] handles two turns no problem but he's an exciting young dog so you want to keep him where he's less chance of getting injured."

Whitfield, from box seven on Monday, ran 22.04 seconds for the 400m at Maitland in a 8.3-length win on March 19. Harrows finished five lengths clear in 29.66 at The Gardens over 515m on February 8. He has box four at Maitland.

"I'm pretty excited about their futures," Thomas said. "On the one-turn track, probably Whitfield is a better chance. He's pretty exciting and he runs times that not many can run."

"He's stepping up to 450 but the distance won't worry him. He's ready to run it and he's had enough work.

"The other dog is going good too and I wouldn't be surprised if he won. I think his future is probably over longer distances."

At The Gardens on Saturday night, Richmond Vale trainer Jason Mackay had a winning treble with Aston Sapporo, Aston Lee and Aston Maeve.

The unbeaten run of Robert Smith-trained Lochinvar Chase ended at eight career starts when he was heavily checked at the first turn in race five. Jilliby Zara won as part of double for Carole Eaton, who claimed race two with Grand Layton.