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Fans were shocked when Big Energy’s name appeared in heats of the National Distance Championship (715m) at Sandown Park tonight.

Since moving from Western Australia to Victoria in March last year, he's produced the top three fastest times set at Sandown Park (515m) – 28.91, 28.93 and 28.98. Only track record holder Aston Rupee has more sub-29 runs to his name.

He was tested over 595m earlier this month in the McKenna Memorial and performed well, but didn't exactly raise his hand as a staying prospect.

"For a while he's been knocked around in races and it hasn't helped him.Box draws have been tricky at times, so because of that '600' metres was a good option," said co-trainer Kel Greenough.

He's all but certain to lead the race and set blistering sectionals, but how is he going to be travelling with 100m to go?

"He's had three runs over 595m, since then three 650m runs at Sandown and The Meadows where he's jumped from the '700' metre boxes and been pulled up on the lure around the '500' boxes. As for that last 100m, I don't know."

"His 595m run home times at Sandown are in 10.80's, which tells me that he's a chance. He's a totally different dog on the lure, so that's obviously going to be vital."

"Ella's Babe is going really well and looks to be a superstar of the future and Black Silencer is very handy as well. He needs to tick all of the boxes to have a chance."

I can't help but be reminded of Hector Fawley's one and only crack over the distance. His sectionals were simply unbelievable but he tired dramatically late.

Hector set the fastest time (and clearly) in the past 10 years first time past the post (15.28, Zack Monelli next best at 15.41) and a length off the fastest to the back (30.08, equal 4th behind Here's Tears 30.02 when he set the track record).

Victoria's National Distance heats set the scene from Race 3 tonight which are followed by five exceptional heats of the National Sprint.