Mark Delbridge heads into tonight’s Seaside Distance Challenge heats with two top contenders in Christo Bale and Ellias Bale.

Both of which he believes are boxes well.

Ellias Bale, who is proving to be the enigma of the kennels, has drawn box seven in the opening heat (race six at 8.11pm).

“He is boxed beautifully in seven and his past two runs have been good,” Delbridge said.

Ellias Bale comes into tonight’s Seaside Distance heat following two impressive victories, one at Warragul over the 680m and the other over the 650 at Warrnambool.

“He wants to go around dogs not under them and I think being drawn in box seven will give him that opportunity.”

“I expect him to run first or second in the heats.”

And in the second heat Delbridge has high hopes for Christo Bale who finished fourth in the Group 1 Sale Cup last start.

“I wasn’t really confident heading into the Sale Cup from box two, I think he is a dog who is better suited off the track.”

Christo Bale also finds himself jumping from box seven.

“I am happy with his box, he tried 110 % and that’s all you can ask for.”

With just the two Seaside Distance heats, Christo Bale and Ellias Bale will only have to run in the first four to qualify.

So, what if Christo Bale and Ellias Bale find themselves competitors in next weeks $6,700 to-the-winner final?

“Christo should blow him away.”

Delbridge also has the Watchdog elect – Fortuna Bale – in the $10,000 Meadows to Warrnambool Final.

“It doesn’t matter what box she has because she pings the lids,” Delbridge said.

“She has the pace to win the race, even with the pace on her inside.”

The Meadows to Warrnambool feature is race seven and will jump at 8.29pm.

The first of its kind feature series links heats in the city to finals in the country. Sandown hold the next series on Sunday with the final being run at Cranbourne over the 520m. Nominations close at midday today.