Mustang Major, who has won his last four races at Nottingham, faces his toughest test to date in the final of the Carlsberg 480 at the Midlands venue on Monday night.
Richard Devenish’s runner had won three races over the 500 metres including heat and final of an open competition.
The son of David Bale clocked marginally the fastest time in last week’s heats but the railer will have to overcome an awkward trap five draw if he is to succeed.
Talented veteran Express Master could be a big threat as he clocked a faster split time on his way to scoring in 28.80sec and is drawn inside Major.
The other big contender is David Pruhs’ Swords Wizard who won his qualifier in 28.92sec.
Slaneyside Pup, trained by Perry Barr’s Ken Humphreys, is fancied to land the final of the Tetleys Bitter Puppy Sprint.
The fastest qualifier left plenty on the track last week and can justify short odds.
Nottingham where tonight’s open race action takes place.
