Thomas has a runner in each of the four qualifiers and nominated Ocular as the leading prospect.

However, Ocular, which was fourth on debut at Maitland, has drawn the eight in heat two.

"Ocular can run a bit but he's terribly boxed," Thomas said.

"He's desperate for the inside and he's probably going to find it tough out there. And it's going to be a tough race that one."

In heat one, Thomas has Classy Redeemer on debut from box seven.

"Classy Redeemer goes OK and he's probably well boxed out there," he said.

"He likes to get off the track a bit.

"Looking at the heats, it looks on paper to be the easiest of them, of the performed dogs, but some of these young dogs can turn it around in one run."

Miss Sequence, another having a first race start, is his runner in the third heat and she has box five.

"She's probably well boxed in the middle," he said.

"Her family all want the centre of the track. She's no star and I think she may be looking for a bit further.

"There's a couple of well-bred ones in that race."

Cut The Line, owned by Thomas's father, John, is out of box four on debut in the final qualifier.

"He's from a nice breed, but he's taking his time to get going," he said.

"We're hopeful he's going to get better with age."

Race one of 12 is set down for 3.01pm.

"These dogs have probably gone in a fraction early but there's good money on and they've had enough experience and are good enough.

"But I think they'll get better in another three months' time."

IN THE NEWS

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: