McKenna’s Agent Jack looms as one of the major chances in the group 2 $80,000 Mega Merch Ballarat Cup, 450m, after a dominant heat win.

Agent Jack ($5.30) rounded up the leaders and raced away by more than three lengths in the second-fastest time in the fifth of eight heats.

Each of the heat winners on Wednesday night qualified for the final.

A slow beginner, Agent Jack was suited by his outside draw on two fronts.

He stayed out of trouble in the hustle and bustle to the bend and also avoided what appeared to be slower going on the rain-affected rail.

Agent Jack was having only his second start for McKenna.

He was previously prepared by Don Hay at Maffra.

“We’ve only had him a few weeks,” said McKenna, who is a Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club committee member.

Agent Jack won his last start for Hay at Sandown on October 23 and then had his first outing for McKenna when sixth at The Meadows on November 11.

McKenna said Agent Jack had not been completely suited by the race trip, but it had still been an easy choice to have a tilt at the Cup.

“He’s not a 450m dog.

“He’ll be stepping in distance.”

Most of his 20 race starts have been 500m and beyond.

McKenna said this was not the first dog he had acquired from the Hay kennel.

“They’ve kept a quarter share in him.”

Luca Neveelk is likely to be installed as favourite for the Cup after drawing box one for the final.

The Denison dog charged into the final with an upset heat win.

Luca Neveelk ($2.60) upstaged Melbourne Cup winner Dyna Villa ($1.70) in the second of eight heats at Morshead Park.

He ran 25.47 seconds to finish ahead of Maximum Lil ($14.10) with Dyna Villa, which did run into trouble a few times, third.

Luca Neveelk went into the Ballarat assignment off a last in the Melbourne Cup, but owner-trainer Gerry Kleeven said he had missed the start at Sandown.

david.brehaut@fairfaxmedia.com.au