The Ballarat Distance Challenge series (660m) – developed to encourage new greyhounds and trainers into distance racing – enters Week 3 on Wednesday night with a third round of Preludes.

The first set of Preludes were conducted on February 5, followed by a second on February 12.

The BDC series has already unveiled a top staying prospect in Shima Mist who heads the current qualifiers courtesy of a track record breaking effort last Wednesday night.

Prepared by Andrea Dailly, Shima Mist posted a staggering 15-length win in a sensational 37.48sec. It was only her 14th start!

In fact, Dailly has three of the top four qualifiers as the leader board stands – Shima Mist (37.48sec), Rockstar Beav (37.76) and Rockstar Prince (37.87).

The Ballarat Distance Challenge Grand Final – for the fastest eight qualifiers from the three rounds of Preludes – will be conducted on Wednesday, February 26 and will carry a $10,000 first prize.

A $3,000-to-the-winner consolation – for the slowest eight times recorded in the Preludes – will also be staged on that night.

Pawnote: First place prize money was increased to $1900 for each Prelude winner, with the remaining cash paid as advertised down to 8th place.

WATCH: Shima Mist (6) establish a new 660m track record in a Ballarat Distance Challenge Prelude.WATCH: Shima Mist (6) establish a new 660m track record in a Ballarat Distance Challenge Prelude.

Unique new distance series to begin next week.