An 18-strong Victorian contingent descends upon The Gardens, in Newcastle, tonight as the inaugural ‘The Ladbrokes 715’ kicks off with six enthralling heats.

The ‘dangling carrot’ for the elite staying stars is a palatable $500,000 first prize in next week’s final.

And it’s the Jason Thompson-trained ‘Collinda twins’ – Collinda Patty and Collinda Lady – which provide the X-factor.

“You’re ultimately racing for half-a-million dollars, so it’s definitely an advantage to have ‘taken a look’ at the track.”

G1 Rookie Rebel finalist Collinda Patty is the more seasoned of the pair with 11 wins from 28 starts, including the G3 Speed Star, while G1 Sandown Cup finalist Collinda Lady is seven from 15.

But the ‘sisters are doing it for themselves’ – Collinda Patty holds Sandown Park’s 595m track record (33.56sec) and Collinda Lady is Geelong’s 680m track record holder (38.69sec).

Collinda Patty is $5.50 on TAB fixed odds in Heat 4 (Race 8, Box 4 – 8.38pm), while Collinda Lady is $2.00F in Heat 5 (Race 9, Box 1 – 8.58pm). They are $21 and $10 respectively on TAB’s ‘All In’ market.

Victorian counterparts Jarick Bale, Mepunga Ruby and Untapped are three of four $6 equal nominal favourites for the series.

“I sent ‘Lady’ and ‘Patty’ up to Jason Magri last Friday and both trialled well at The Gardens on Monday,” Thompson said.

WATCH: COLLINDA PATTY (B1) establishes a new Sandown Park 595m TR (33.56sec) on August 15 last year.

“You’re ultimately racing for half-a-million dollars, so it’s definitely an advantage to have ‘taken a look’ at the track.

“It’ll give them every chance to make the final. They’ve had plenty of time to settle in, so there’ll be no excuses.”

WATCH: COLLINDA LADY (B5) breaks Geelong’s 680m TR, clocking 38.69sec on April 15.