The stage is set for a massive night of racing at The Meadows this Saturday, with heats of the Victorian leg of the National Sprint (525m) and Distance (730m) Championships.

Queensland will host the National Finals at the end of the month. The winners, runners-up, and the two fastest thirds from Saturday’s heats will advance to next Thursday’s Victorian Sprint and Distance Finals – with the champions heading north to represent the state.

Vic National Distance Series – Heat 1
The opening National Distance heat shapes as an intriguing battle, with rising star Fade To Black attracting punters’ attention over Group 1 winner Canya All Class. Fade To Black has beaten his rival in two of their past three clashes.

Vic National Distance Series – Heat 2
Class runner Ethanol Water headlines the second heat, but expert George Farrugia is keeping an eye on Texas President, who will jump from box 8.

Vic National Distance Series – Heat 3
Without A Trace is back to atone for an uncharacteristic run in the Fireball last start. A scorching trial at Sale last week has trainer Peter Presutto confident she’s back to her best.

Watch Fade To Black (2) and Canya All Class (8) at Bendigo last week.

Vic National Sprint Series – Heat 1
Tim Zoo is brimming with confidence following a dominant Queensland campaign. He produced a slick 29.09 second hit-out at Sandown (515m) a fortnight ago. Expect challenges from Lakeview Emily and Shima Time.

Vic National Sprint Series – Heat 2
Group 1 winner Slick Splits has the early speed to control this heat, but the opposition is fierce. Mepunga Reward, who pushed Tim Zoo in Queensland, and last year’s Nationals champion Flying Zulu, will ensure this is a race to remember.

Vic National Sprint Series – Heat 3
Deadly Avenger followed a similar path to Tim Zoo, returning from Brisbane to post a personal-best 29.07 at Sandown a fortnight ago. Co-trainer Joe Borg says his Brisbane campaign exceeded expectations, especially given the dog went in slightly underdone. Paw Oswald has drawn his favourite box and can never be overlooked.

Deadly Avenger (4) and Paw Oswald (3) battle it out at Sandown last month.