Mick Whittle’s grand old sprinter Periduki looks the top hope in Saturday’s $40,000 Boag’s Draught sprint at Morphettville.

The nine-year-old has had another very good year – starting in fine fashion with wins at Morphettville in January and February.

The Strathalbyn trained sprinter then headed north to Alice Springs where he took out the Red Centre’s top race the Pioneer Sprint before heading back home for a spell.

It was the 24th win of his career and although winless in the six starts since, Periduki shapes as the class runner of Saturday’s sprint field.

The Perugino gelding will carry 59.5kg – down a half on his last start.

The sprint is the seventh race on the program as racing gets ready for a big fortnight.

Hills-based punters warmed up today at Oakbank’s Friday meeting, tomorrow already has a festive feel and Friday’s feature Christmas Twilight meeting is already heavily booked.

Morphettville will also host races on Saturday the 21st and on Boxing Day.