Stening produced one of the best performances of his harness racing career and raced into calculations for the $25,000 Menangle Country Series Final with his heat victory at Wagga on Tuesday night.
The well-performed pacer had to earn his 11th win the hard way racing outside the leader before holding off the favourite Lombo Newsy Scoop, who along with the third-placed Mammals Flash, won through to the decider on August 27.
Stening's win in the $10,000 heat took his earnings past $60,000 and provided trainer-driver Bruce Harpley with a first-up win under his care.
The winner was trained until recently by Bernie Kelly and has been driven in most of his starts by Harpley.
"I think just the change of environment can sometimes help some horses," Harpley said.
"That was a very good win against some nice horses.
"When I saw he drew barrier six on the outside of the front row I thought that was the end of our chances."
Stening falls well short of the best pacers raced by Kelly and his wife Dianne, but he has been highly consistent with 11 wins and nine placings from 31 starts.
Lombo Newsy Scoop was given every chance, but couldn't haul in Stening when he kicked clear while Mammals Flash ran on well for third in a fast mile rate of 1.57.5 seconds.
Comeback pacer The Real Eagle continued his charge qualifying for another final at Menangle with a win over Chickies Boy.
It was a carbon copy of their last encounter when The Real Eagle kept Chickies Boy into second placing on July 19.
On that occasion, The Real Eagle was having his first start for almost four years.
Trainer Brad Hillyer only has The Real Eagle in training and has a real talent on his hands.
Leg injuries have restricted The Real Eagle's career to just 15 starts for seven wins.
"The big track at Menangle will suit him and that run will top him off," Hillyer said.
"I haven't had any leg problems with him this time in so hopefully he can stay in one piece."
Reinsman David Moran drove the short-priced favourite to perfection following Chickies Boy throughout before emerging late.
Meanwhile, Northern Velocity won her second race at Wagga in the space of four days with a dominant display.
The well-bred filly has earnings of more than $160,000 and since racing in Australia has produced four wins and two seconds from six starts.
Owner Scott Robertson said Northern Velocity was purchased because of her breeding and was doing the job asked of her during her racing career.
"She had a good record in New Zealand where she won most of her prize money," he said.
Northern Velocity has been transferred to the care of trainer Steve Maguire after doing her recent racing with Belinda McCarthy – one of the state's leading trainers.
"We will see where she is at whether or not she has another start," Robertson said.
Northern Velocity also won at Wagga on Friday night.
The filly is a daughter of leading sire Mach Three from Northern Franco making her a half-sister to $900,000 earner Pembrook Benny.
Amanda Rando