Kim Prentice is under no illusion how tough tonight’s Pearl Classic heats (2130m) will be at Gloucester Park but is confident he has two pacers with strong claims of progressing to the final.

Prentice, who won the 2002 Pearl Classic with Your Call Lombo, has Soho Firestone and Crowd Control engaged in tonight’s heats and both have favourable draws.

Soho Firestone comes up against the unbeaten Never Ending from the Justin Prentice stable in the first of three heats.

The American Ideal colt has drawn barrier one for his toughest assignment yet, while Never Ending will be on his back in barrier 10.

Prentice said he was pleased with his charge but conceded it would be difficult to beat Never Ending.

“He’s coming along well and is going better than what I thought he would be,” Prentice told The Trots WA.

“I think he’s got the gate speed to hold up.

“The problem will be the 10 will probably come straight off the fence and be too good.

“I think my horse can definitely run top three and he’s capable of giving Never Ending something to chase.”

While Soho Firestone looks to have his work cut out in his heat, Crowd Control appears the one to beat in the second heat of the evening.

Crowd Control finished third to Valedictorian in the Group 1 Sales Classic (1730m) earlier this year, before a dominant win at Pinjarra and a stylish win at Gloucester Park on June 27 and July 15 respectively.

Prentice said he was far more upbeat on Crowd Control’s prospects, where he will line up from barrier two.

“He’s super and I’m really happy with him,” he said.

“I think he’s quick enough to get the front, but I’ve never used him off the gate.

“If we do get the front we won’t be handing over.

“I think he’s up there with the best two-year-old I’ve had.

“This year seems to be a smart group of two-year-old colts and geldings and I think Crowd Control is right up there in the top four.”

Valedictorian looks set to be the testing material for Crowd Control but will have to overcome a tricky draw in barrier four.

The third heat of the night sees the return of Sales Classic placegetter Rocket City up against smart pacer Fess Up, who has drawn barrier one.

WATCH – Crowd Control’s dominant Pinjarra win

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