Mepunga Lara was the fastest qualifier into the Group 1 Sportsbet Fanta Bale Stayers tonight’s at The Meadows.

Stopping the clock at 42.24 seconds over the 730 metres, the Jeff Britton-trained stayer produced a powerful performance to secure her spot in next week’s final.

There was pressure from Ayden’s Warrior, who found the lead into the catching pen for the first time, but Mepunga Lara kicked into gear and proved too strong in the run home.

Magpie Hector was forced wide throughout after missing the start, while Fade To Black finished fourth to scrape into the final.

“It’s nice to see her get out and go,” handler Krystiana Dubos said post-race.

“She showed good strength late and really attacked the line.”

Mepunga Lara wins a heat of the Sportsbet Fanta Bale Stayers from box six.

Trainer Jeff Britton will have a strong hand in the final, qualifying three runners for the Group 1, with Texas President and Mepunga Donna also booking their places.

The opening heat was taken out by NSW raider Vodka And Ice, who showed tremendous staying power to outstay Texas President and Mepunga Donna in 42.47 seconds.

“I was so excited,” trainer Caroline Hughes said.

“He is super strong – his run home time in his trial last week was excellent, and he showed that again tonight.”

The box draw for the Group 1 Sportsbet Fanta Bale Stayers final will be conducted on Tuesday and streamed on The Meadows Facebook page.

The Sportsbet Australian Cup Carnival concludes next Saturday night at The Meadows, where three Group 1 races will headline the card.

Vodka And Ice wins his heat of the Sportsbet Fanta Bale Stayers from box five.