The $5000 to-the-winner events, held across the state, attract excellent middle distance performers and Wicked Spartan's best is good enough to match all comers.

Before his last start fall, the handsome white and fawn dog carved out slick sections in a near record 34.19 seconds all-the-way win at Dapto on June 17. Box six is an issue - he's at his best when drawn closer to the inside - yet his Dapto record is exemplary.

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No doubt support will come for Zipping Virginia. The youngster was dominant in a smart 35.50 win from box four at Richmond on June 25 and was then luckless when third to Rema's Fernando at the same track seven days later in 35.67.

Though new to Dapto, Zipping Virginia is perfectly positioned. Idria Bale (box one) and Ritza Tommy (two) lack pace and the sparks will be flying from box-rise should Zipping Virginia begin on terms with Wicked Spartan and Annie Rocks (seven) looking to wrest the lead.

In the night's top grade 297m contest, the brilliant Hardaway Ranger tackles a quality field as he seeks to improve his career winning strike rate beyond 50 per cent.

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At Bulli on June 29, Hardaway Ranger was dominant in a sizzling 22.15 win at Bulli over 400m and the back dog has prevailed in four of seven starts at Dapto over 297m including a fast 16.88.

Robyn Goodwin's Radiation will provide stern opposition, however. He was supreme in a fast 16.76 win at the track on July 1 - the effort only .10 or 1 1/2 lengths outside Typhoon Tim's track record which was only posted on May 27.

The first of nine races at Dapto gets underway at 7.13pm.

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