Box Draw: Interstate Raiders Headline The 715

THE world's richest staying race looms as a battle between Queensland and Tasmania after four heats of The Ladbrokes 715 were run and won at The Gardens on Friday night.

Group 1 winning Queenslander Valpolicella was brilliant in her 10-length heat romp running 41.51 while just a few races later, Taswegian Raider's Guide, also a winner at Group 1 level, ran his rivals ragged in 41.52.

But while just 1/100th separated the duo on the clock, they ran their races in vastly different fashion, setting up what should be a mouthwatering $500,000-to-the-winner finale on Friday night.

Valpolicella marched through the first section in 16.02 while Raider's Guide carved out a slashing 15.53 which equates to a seven length differential. 

Given their very different racing patterns, the scene is set for a gripping decider for the third edition of the lucrative race.

Only adding to the intrigue further is that Valpolicella has drawn box one with Raider's Guide out in eight with bookmakers finding it impossible to separate the two, installing them as $2.25 equal favourites.

On a night of terrific racing, the remaining two heats were annexed by Might Have Been in 41.81 and Group 1 Association Cup runner-up Canya Amy in 41.64.

But it was the shock defeat of five-time group 1 winner Palawa King in heat two that turned the series on its head, the superstar chaser appearing to shorten stride during the 715 metre contest with all not seemingly right.

Also qualifying for the finale was Sin Rap Explode by virtue of her second to Valpolicella, Victorian Redeemer Blue which was runner-up to Might Have Been, Group 1 winner Ritza Piper which chased home Raider's Guide and Like Wildfire, snaring a final berth with a last stride second to Canya Amy.

Ladbrokes The 715 – Box Draw 

1. Valpolicella $2.25
2. Redeemer Blue $15
3. Ritza Piper $8
4. Sin Rap Explode $16
5. Might Have Been $41
6. Like Wildfire $10
7. Canya Amy $8.00
8. Raider's Guide $2.90