The Casino Greyhound Racing Club’s signature race series, the Charcoal Inn Casino Cup (484m), commences today with four heats taking place on the 12-race program.

Carrying a cool $25,000 to-the-winner on next Friday’s twilight card, the Group 3 feature has the $40,000 Group 2 Lismore Cup hot on its heels, in what is a big month of racing on the Northern Rivers circuit.

But first things first and today’s card sees a good mix of travelling and local-based chasers vying for a spot in next week’s rich finale.

Heat one has a host of track specialists set for battle, with the seven runners sharing no less than 34 Casino victories between them.

Leading the charge is Dean Turley’s Witchen Hour, with the top grade sprinter heading into Friday’s opening heat off a fast 27.49 win last week. A winner of 12 Casino races, the daughter of Watch The Web tackles exciting young talent Limko Dryva, trained by Trevor Wilson.

Winner of 12 from 18, the daughter of Collision has taken out her last four starts, all in commanding fashion as she spirals through the grades.

The second heat sees Box Hill trainer Dean Swain make the long trip to Casino with his bonnie bitch Sienna’s Delight, a recent runner-up to Rob Pines in fast time at Wentworth Park.

Winner of 11 races, Sienna’s Delight has been a model of consistency for her connections, winning four city races in what’s been a distinguished career.

Today she tackles smart performers Bralyn Midge, Alex The Great and Black Dolce, in what’s sure to be a fierce run into the first corner.

Just the seven runners are set to take part in heat three, with quality performers Cawbourne Smash (box one) and Bralyn County (box two), looking to hold all the aces.

Winner of last year’s Casino Cup, Cawbourne Smash is unbeaten at Casino, with the son of Hallucinate three for three at the venue, while 19-race winner Bralyn County will look to make it five wins on the trot for trainer Dave Irwin when he exits box two.

The fourth and final opportunity to qualify will see Anthony Azzopardi’s Miss Joyful start all-the-rage from box four. With a Casino record that reads eight starts for six wins and two placings, the daughter of Collision takes on Phantom Lion, another with a glowing Casino rap sheet.

The Casino Club looks set for a terrific afternoon’s racing, with two heats of the Casino Golf Club Stayers Series (620m) complementing what is a terrific card.