Since fields came out on Monday it’s felt like a long wait, but it’s here, the opening night of the Sportsbet Australian Cup Carnival at The Meadows – led by the Sportsbet Temlee (525m), Sportsbet Zoom Top (730m) and Sportsbet Australian Cup heats (525m).

The time for talk is over and it’s time for business, but if you missed any of the mid-week chatter and previews scroll down, we’ve got you covered.

TONIGHT’S COVERAGE
Catch the latest colour, insight and tips throughout the night live on Sky Racing Active and the Watchdog App (iPhone/iPad, Android and browser). Coverage will kick off at 6.30pm with Nathan Rooney, Michael Tye, Jess Hopkins and myself.

Their best?
Nathan Rooney – Charlestown (Race 2), Sparring (Race 5) and Ayden’s Warrior (Zoom Top)
Michael Tye – Dramatical (Race 6)
Jess Hopkins – Zelda Covilha (Race 4)
Myself – Distinction (Race 4) and Urana Xavier (Race 12)

While we’re at it…
NSW stayer Vodka And Ice will trial after Race 1 in preparation for next week’s Fanta Bale heats – the trial will be live on tonight’s coverage.

Betsy: Cup Carnival Kicks Off – Farrugia’s Meadows Plays
Freshened-Up Stars Ready to Fire in Australian Cup Heats
Dashing Slay primed for Temlee return
Sharp’s rising star Eventuate steps up
West On Sidney Impresses in slick Meadows trial
Tim Zoo Still Packs Australian Cup Punch
RACE CONDITIONS AND EVENT INFORMATION

Grey Areas
George Farrugia and I go through all of the key races on the card, plus enjoy a laugh or two.

Green Light On
James Van de Maat and ‘The Duck’ Michael Tye cover every angle of the opening night.

Wolfden
Rich Irvine, Corey Smith and myself hone into the Group 1s plus our fancies in the heats.

Giddy Up on Racing.com
George Farrugia and I joined Gareth Hall on SEN Track’s Giddy Up yesterday on Racing.com