Gold Force was amazing in his Ballarat Cup heat on Sunday.

His time was the fifth fastest over 450m at Ballarat in the past 10 years – behind record holder Hotel Whisky One, Silver Lake, Pirate Pete, and Unleash Collinda.

But the way he achieved it was different to the company around him on that list.

Of the top 10 times in the last 10 years, he has the second slowest first section and slowest second section… but it's still so fast. His second section was easily the fastest of the Ballarat Cup finalists.

However, Mepunga Rocky is going to cause headaches from box 1. He will begin well and shift wide immediately. Wide enough to impact most greyhounds on his outside.

For success, it's vital to avoid Mepunga Rocky early. It takes Gold Force about 50 metres to hit top gear.

Explicit has only been tame to begin since he resumed – aside from his first start back at Bendigo. But we're all too familiar with what he can deliver.

Matt Loch is the one we can rely on, he'll fly out and lead. And probably break 25 seconds again. Luck eliminated.

If Gold Force gets clear he will win. But getting clear from box 5 is the concern.

The final is Race 8 on Friday's card at 9.21pm.