Sparks look set to fly in the early part of Friday night’s What The Hill Great Southern Star second heat where two of the series’ key contenders lock horns.

Brilliant New Zealander Majestic Man heads into the race fresh off last weekend’s stunning V L Dullard Trotters Cup success, while Andy Gath’s 2018 Inter Dominion champ Tornado Valley is first-up from a decent break.

After drawing barrier five, Majestic Man is a $1.35 chance for the heat according to the TAB while Tornado Valley is $5.50 after coming up with gate two.

“It’s a terrific draw for him,” Gath said.

“He’s won most of his races in front. So, if we can hold Majestic Man I’d say we will be holding him at the start and see what happens.

“To be only beaten once when he has led sort of suggests that you’ll probably be holding the lead.”

Brad Williamson, who drove Majestic Man to Group 1 glory last weekend and will be in the sulky again this Friday, is tipping a great battle in the heat.

“I look at the race and think that we probably have just as hard of a run sitting parked as we do blasting to the top,” Williamson said.

“We are pretty keen to go forward. I’ve had a chance to talk to Dad (trainer Phil Williamson) and we are pretty confident the horse has come through his last run very well and it seems as though the run hasn’t affected him at all.

“He’s exceptionally fast out of the gate. We’ve known that for a long time, (but) whether we can cross Tornado Valley, I’m not sure. We’ll find out.

“There’s certainly going to be some fireworks on, that’s for sure.”

Majestic Man is the $1.60 all-in favourite for the final with the TAB, while Tornado Valley is on the sixth line of betting at $15.

Gath’s stablemate McLovin is the second favourite overall at $5.50 and has come up with barrier five in the first heat, where he is top elect.

“It’s obviously going to be tough with Tough Monarch drawn inside us. He’s a quality horse, but we are happy with a front row draw,” Gath said.

“McLovin, every time he seems to draw the front row, he tends to run top three. So (I’m) more than happy with a front row draw. We’ve got a quality horse drawn inside us, but he’s been sitting outside quality horses and being able to beat them.

“It’s a draw that gives an opportunity to qualify for the next step.”

Click here for the TAB.com.au Heat 1 market

Click here for the TAB.com.au Heat 2 market

Click here for the TAB.com.au All-In market

HRV – Tim O'Connor