It was a monster night at Sandown Park on Thursday, with Storm Hustler and Mepunga Lara booking their tickets to the Group 1 National Finals.

Storm Hustler broke the hearts of favourite punters when he upstaged boom youngster Wrongly Accused in the Victorian National Sprint Final (515m), earning the right to represent Victoria against Australia’s best.

In a willing contest, Storm Hustler used brute strength to make his own luck, getting physical with Wrongly Accused before holding the emerging star at bay to score in 29.46 seconds.

Wrongly Accused refused to go quietly, finishing second, while On The Prowl rounded out the placings.

Storm Hustler (1) defeats Wrongly Accused (6).

Mepunga Lara will fly the Victorian flag in the Group 1 National Distance Final (715m) after a strong staying performance for trainer Jeff Britton.

Paw Lovisa and Espoir set the pace early, but Mepunga Lara proved too strong late, powering home to score in 41.99 seconds.

Pre-race favourite Without A Trace struck trouble early and was unable to recover, ending her bid for a berth in the National Distance Final.

Mepunga Lara (8).

The Group 1 National Sprint and Distance Finals will be held at Sandown Park on Saturday, August 29, with Straight Track final at Healesville the following day.

The box draws for all three National Finals conducted live on Grey Areas next Friday from 12pm.