Big guns Dhruv Rodrigues Chico and Jake Doran have backed up from impressive showings at last weekend's Australian track and field championships to book their spots in the semi-finals of the Stawell Gift.
Rodrigues Chico first surged to prominence when he won the 2019 Gift at Central Park.
He has since made a successful transition from grass to the track, finishing second behind Rohan Browning in the 100m at the national titles in Brisbane.
Rodrigues Chico - a Goan-born New Zealander who has applied for Australian citizenship - looked to have a bit in reserve in winning his Gift heat on Saturday in 12.61 seconds off a mark of 0.75m.
"That felt pretty good," the 24-year-old told the Seven Network.
"Realistically it will be tough to get up on the podium but I'm definitely going to have a crack.
"I'll go hard, as I normally do, and I love the chase.
"Hopefully the guys in front fear me."
Queenslander Doran won the national 200m crown last weekend, a year after claiming his maiden Australian 100m title.
Doran (0.5m) stormed home in his heat, clocking 12.51, but was just pipped for the win by Jack Lacey (12.49).
"The 200 gives you the extra bit of strength," said the 22-year-old sprinter, who represented Australia last year at the world championships and the Commonwealth Games.
"Running up hills and being a taller runner helps me out here.
"With speed from the 100 and strength from the 200, combine them together and you have a good Stawell Gift race."
Reigning champion Harrision Kerr made light of having his handicap slashed from 9.25m to 2.5m, winning his heat in 12.82.
The fastest heat winner was Ryan Tarrant (3.75m), who stopped the clock at 12.29.
Olivia Hastings (13.54 off a mark of 7.25m) and 2015 champion Grace O'Dwyer (13.55 off 7m) were the fastest heat winners in the women's Gift.
The semi-finals and finals of both Gifts take place on Easter Monday, with the two champions pocketing $40,000 apiece.
