T-L Photo/STAN PAWLOSKI TWO OF the entries in the upcoming $100,000 Wheeling Island Invitational are Afleet Alex, left, and Family Guy. The sprinters are held by Lester Raines Kennel’s Julie Roden. The first round of the rich stake event is Saturday afternoon.

It’s showtime. Some of the best sprinters in the nation are ready to rock ‘n’ roll. A field of 40 greyhounds will go to post Saturday afternoon in the opening round of the $100,000 Wheeling Island Invitational. It’s the track’s richest stake event since 2002. The second round is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 8, and the semifinal Monday afternoon, Oct. 13. The championship final will be held during the Saturday matinee card on Oct. 18. Director of Racing Ben Travis’ goal was to make the Wheeling Invitational “one of the top stake races in the country this year.” He has succeeded — it’s a stellar lineup of explosive sprint stars. The Invitational field is loaded with greyhounds with stake final experience as well as dynamic credentials. Unfortunately World Classic champion Starz Jenko, one of the big name invaders, has been withdrawn from the stake. Jenko won his initial Wheeling start in September, but has not been sharp in his last three races.