Riverina Paceway will host three heats of the 3YO NSW Breeders Challenge series on Friday, two for colts and geldings and one for fillies.

The Kennedy stable boasts a number of strong chances among the eight pacers it will bring across to Wagga on Friday, including five across the three heats.

Rocknroll Runa, who goes around in race three, is already qualified for the 2YO colts and geldings semi-finals at Menangle on Saturday week, but Kennedy and Painting hope he can be joined by some three-year-olds.

In the opening heat, the Lennytheshark NSW Breeders Challenge 3YO C&G Heat (1740m), Kennedy will be represented by last-start winner Pelican Fly (gate one) and Deekays Major (gate three).

Painting has opted for the drive on Pelican Fly and believes he can measure up.

"We were really happy with that first run, things didn't go his way at Young then he did it easy the other night," Painting said.

"We've got the right draw where he can either lead or hand up to the right one but at this stage I'll be looking to hold the front and he'll definitely give them something to chase.

"We brought him with this series in mind and take away that run at Young where he got knocked down and didn't have much luck, his form reads pretty good."

Kennedy has also come up with two good draws in the second colts and geldings heat, where The Irish Eagle (gate one) and Mammals Prince (gate three) run first-up.

"I had the pick of drives and the first one wasn't a hard decision, Pelican Fly's a nicer horse than Major but the other two, there's nothing between them really, just that The Irish Eagle can be a funny horse to drive. That was the reason there," Painting said.

"I don't know what horse is going to turn up, to be honest, (with The Irish Eagle). If the right one turns up, well, he should win. But he's definitely got a few tricks to him."

Adira is the stable's representative in the Fear The Dragon NSW Breeders Challenge 3YO Fillies Heat (1740m). She has won six of her seven starts since joining Kennedy but has drawn awkwardly in gate six for the heat.

"It's going to be tricky from the draw but I've got no doubt she's the best filly in the race," Painting said.

"It just depends where I lob, I'll come out and have a look for the front but if not, I'll just have to come with one run and she's got an unbelievable turn of foot. She's one going forward, I definitely think she's up to the better fillies so I really, really want to get her into the semi-finals."

Painting is also excited for another opportunity to partner Rocknroll Runa, when he steps out in the Prestige Cleaning NR47 Pace (1740m).

"He's probably in the top two or three horses that I've driven so every time he's in I get pretty excited about having a sit behind him again."

Painting also has high hopes for Cherokee Joe and Kiwi import Coolhand Easton in the first two races at Wagga.

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