The drama will begin long before the gates open in tonight’s What The Hill Great Southern Star final, with connections gifted the rare chance to plot their paths to a Group 1 victory.

The draw for the $300,000 classic will take place after race six, the Aldebaran Park Vicbred Platinum Trotting Mares Sprint Championship, which is run at 9.03pm.

The 10 qualifiers will consist of the first three home in heats one and two of the Great Southern Star plus the next four fastest finishers. The heats are races three and four on the 10-race card.

A Harness Racing Victoria representative will confirm with connections after the heats who will represent them in the draw.

That connection will then need to be present at the Tabcorp Park Melton presentation area after race six for the barrier draw, which will be hosted live on TrotsVision.com.au by Gareth Hall.

Harness Racing Victoria general manager of racing Stephen Bell will draw out the names of the 10 finalists in random order, with the connections stepping forward to choose their preferred barrier of those available. If a connection is not in attendance the horse will be assigned the highest available gate when their name is randomly drawn.

The final of the What The Hill Great Southern Star will be held at 10.32pm.

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