Victoria’s sprinting stars step out this Friday night in heats of the Sportsbet Warragul Cup.

With 60 nominations for the series we see an encouraging eight heats where only the winners will progress to next Friday’s final.

There are marquee names in every one which promises a very entertaining two hours – the first heat gets underway at 8.10pm.

Here are some big names to follow in each heat.

Heat 1
The career of veteran sprinter Big Energy (4) continues after finishing down the track in the Phoenix. Orli Bale (2) hits the series with momentum after an extremely solid month.

Heat 2
The big guns are drawn wide and there’s not much to split them on. It’ll be Field Day’s (7) first start since his epic match race with Tim Zoo on Phoenix night. Hotel Whiskey One’s (6) first outing since runner-up in the Hobart Thousand and Mile A Minute (8) as well first up since a campaign in Tassie.

Heat 3
Very even top end. Nangar Jim (1) has broken the Sale 510m track record three starts in a row. Bendigo Cup winner Boracay Storm (3) aims up at his second country cup for the season. Pass The Buck (2) gets another good opportunity and his ownership has changed hands – acquired by his trainer Anthony Azzopardi (and others) which is a clear indication of confidence.

Heat 4
Defending champion Tim Zoo (6) is flying but defaults back to a poor draw after a few good ones. We see the return of the promising Zeus Thunderbolt (4) after he tailed off in October’s Bendigo Cup.

Heat 5
Flying Zulu (3) is at the forefront of the market with Barefoot Zulu (6) and short course rocket Sheezel (2). Barefoot Zulu is first up in Victoria after 10 starts in New South Wales, he looks very fast but races with x-factor.

Heat 6
Runners drawn inside are set to dominate led by Silver Chief winner Epitomize (3). Melbourne Cup runner-up Joey The Jet (4) features. Short Straw Trev (2) became the first greyhound to break 24 seconds at Sale (435m) in his last start.

Heat 7
Deadly Avenger (7) was runner-up in the Silver Chief and is first up since then. Zipping Hopkins (2) is running like the wind but the drop in distance looks challenging.

Heat 8
The highly versatile and classy Vincent Bale (1) is well drawn. Schillaci (6) is first up since his good 4th in the Phoenix. Short course flyer Mock Fish (3) is suited.

Tim Zoo (2) wins last year’s Sportsbet Warragul Cup