The multiple group one placegetter looked a standout heading into the lone heat of the lucrative series and proved it in his first race at the track.

Wagga breeder and owner Mick Finn has taken charge for the first half of the series due to COVID restrictions.

He was pleased with his first performance.

"He did everything right," Finn said.

"He got out, had a look around the track and now knows where to go next week."

The 30-second barrier was long the magic mark for the 525 metres at Wagga.

Tiggerlong Tonk ($1.15 fav) clocked exactly that as he downed Sell More Houses ($26) by 8.5 lengths.

With Confidence ($7.50) was just edged out to finish third.

Starting well from box seven, Tiggerlong Tonk forced his way to the front coming around the first corner and from there was never headed.

"His second sectional was good and he might have got a bit tired after his drive up yesterday so now he can rest up all this week and come back next week," Finn said.

"I expected him to run somewhere around that time. I hope he finds a little next week but it was a good win."

While Finn might be in charge due to border restrictions, he's been given plenty of instructions by Victorian trainer Correy Grenfell and his wife Samantha.

However he wasn't convinced he can follow them all through.

"I'll be getting a phone call from Correy and Samantha soon as I'm supposed to give him kisses and cuddles every day," Finn said.

Tiggerlong Tonk will stay in Wagga until next week's final before connections reassess their plans.

With only one heat assembled on Thursday all eight greyhounds will progress to the regional qualifier next week.

Tiggerlong Tonk has drawn box six for the final.

Sell More Houses has come up with box three for Rod McDonald while Ben Talbot has secured the prized inside alley with Canya Chase, who was seventh in the heat.

After a fourth in the Temora qualifier Maximum Refusal is better drawn in two.

The first three greyhounds across the line on Friday qualify for the semi-finals at Wentworth Park on October 9.

Overall there was plenty of success shared at Wagga on Thursday with 10 different trainers winning across the 10-race card.

Greyhound racing continues in the Riverina on Sunday with Temora holding an 11-race card.