For the past 18 months the Victorian Country Cups circuit was dominated by Paw Licking, Ronan Izmir and Black Magic Opal.

However, with two retired and the other on the sidelines, the time is right for an emerging star to step up.

After mixed fortunes for some of the fancied runners in Sunday's heats, an intriguing final has been compiled for the 425m event worth $45,000 to the winner. 

One of Victoria's most promising sprinters, Luca Neveelk clocked a slick 23.87 in his heat.

Luca Neevelk will start from box four in the final.

His latest victory took his tally to 12 wins from 13 starts.

The fastest heat time was recorded in the eighth and final heat when Zipping Snoopy achieved an effortless 23.68 victory.

He will carry the white rug in the final.

Four of the eight finalists will line up in the final carrying the identical rug colour to their heats.

Warrior King and Senor Socks drew seven and eight respectively in both heats and final. 

Warrior King proved too strong for the free rolling Matt's Entity and Top Secret over the concluding stages of his heat when he clocked 23.84.

Senor Socks looks ideally drawn out wide after using the eight alley to perfection registering 24.06 in his heat.

Senor Socks is one of two finalists for trainer Robert Britton who will rug up the "wing" runners, with Pippa Shiraz, a 24.07 heat winner drawn in box one. 

Bendigo track specialist Flying Bolt showed a glimpse of his old form as he caught the highly talented and odds-on favourite Harry Keeping in 23.92.

Flying Bolt will race from box two in the final. 

Recent Wagga Cup winner White Spyro never gave his more fancied opposition a chance in a 23.78 heat win.

Elite Devil moves from the suitable inside draw of box two where he saluted in 23.85 to a tough box six draw in the final.

The Group 2 TAB Bendigo Cup final is race seven on Friday at 9.10pm.

First race on Friday is at 7.10pm.