Thompson lines up group one performers Deliver and Black Opium in the heats of the lucrative series on Friday night.

Neither had any luck in their last starts but Thompson is hoping that can turn around and make the trip from his Melbourne base worthwhile.

"It's the first time with some dogs but our son is a jockey and when he started off he used to do quite a bit of riding at Wagga," Thompson said.

"I'm familiar with the drive but it is the first time taking dogs there."

Wagga has always been plan A for one of the nation's most successful trainers in the second running of the series.

The proximity to the border made it the obvious location however neither greyhound has had a taste for the circuit.

Thompson expects the circuit will suit and is hoping the unfamiliar surrounds won't be a hurdle as both look to qualify for the regional final the following week.

"Neither of them have been there so it's probably a bit fortunate there are only three heats," he said.

"The first two and the two fastest thirds will qualify to the final and ultimately that is all they really need to do is to make sure they are there the following Saturday.

"They are experienced dogs and should handle themselves well enough even though they hadn't been there."

Deliver has won twice at group one level, but fell in his last start at Horsham.

However Thompson was pleased with how he came through.

"Both dogs have trialled since then," he said.

"Deliver fell at Horsham but pulled up alright and Black Opium got severely checked but they've both trailled well and come through their runs really good.

"We're looking forward to it."

With their strong credentials both will start as long odds-on favourites in their respective heats.

One of Andrea Dailly two runners, Lucy's Milo, is also very short priced favourite in the second of the heats.

The 10-race card gets under way at 6.48pm with the first of the Million Dollar Chase heats at 8.05pm.

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