The Caruana name has already taken one heat of the Mercury80 series and might just grab another tonight.

Richie Caruana trained and drove Off The Radar to victory last week and one of his neighbours is out to land the riches in the fourth and final qualifier at Tabcorp Park Melton.

Strangely not related (as far as they know) despite coming from the same village in Malta, hobby trainer Ted Caruana lives just down the road near the track.

He will prepare the speedy Major Exclusive for the $20,000 event, where the last of the qualifiers will progress through to the $50,000 final on January 25.

Caruana believes his horse has a good chance of taking out the heat - run over the flying 1200m journey - following some eye-catching performances in recent weeks.

“Last time he won he ran a 54.5 last half there at Cranbourne and the last run at Ballarat he drew the carpark. Young (driver) Connor (Ronan) had to go back from gate seven, as you would in Ballarat,” the Rockbank trainer said.

“No one wanted the pegs and the field was spread out. He was probably 35m-40m back and he personally came home in 55.1 going three wide.

“Whether we could use him at both ends (of a race), we’ll find out Friday. But he does have raw speed.”

A South Australian Derby winner last March, Major Exclusive has been a great find for Caruana, who also owns the horse. The son of Art Major has won 11 of 37 career runs and pocketed close to $90,000 in prizemoney.

And despite taking that Group 3 feature earlier this year, victory tonight would be Caruana’s “highest accolade” as a trainer.

“I know it’s less money - the SA Derby was $30,000 and this one is $20,000 - but if we can secure it that would be fantastic.”

The top two place-getters on Friday night will move through to the eight-horse Mercury80 final.

The quickest horse of the series secures a $20,000 bonus, with $10,000 to be paid to the successful owner(s) and $5000 going to the trainer and driver.

Second heat winner Always Fast (Emma Stewart) is the clubhouse leader after clocking a slick 82.8 seconds earlier this month.

The Mercury80 heat is the highlight of Friday night’s 12-race card, which kicks off from 5.10pm.