Queensland sensation Big Al’s is officially Australia’s straight track champion after taking out the Group 3 National Straight Track Final at Healesville on Friday.

The son of Aston Rupee had earned his way into the race with five straight wins in Queensland, including the past four at Capalaba, the most recent of those the Queensland Straight Track Championship.

That saw him gain a start in the National Final on Friday, and he practically led all of the way in wet conditions from box two, holding off Smart As You who dived late for second in the $45,700 race.

Victorian representative Blink And Miss flashed late to grab third.

It was hardly a hit-and-run mission, with Churchable trainer Warren Nicholls flying down a week ago to set preparations for the assault.

A trial up the Healesville straight last Sunday failed to impress Nicholls, but the son of Aston Rupee showed his quality on the big stage.

“It’s a great feeling,” Nicholls told Corey Smith of his greyhound, who now has 19 wins from just 28 career starts.

“We know his ability, we know he’s a real good dog.

“We came down here and trialled him and it was probably average as it turned out on Sunday, but he certainly shows he’s got a desire to win.

“I was happy being on the rail. He’s a good dog.”

Brailey Banner did kennelmate Terrell Banner no favours in the run, but Big Al’s was well clear of their bumping duel.

Nicholls said he would return to Queensland on Saturday, with sights set on some local features.

“I was looking around for Maitland and Million Dollar Chase heats, but I might stay home for the Capalaba Cup and the Lakeside Cup at Q1,” Nicholls said.