Held For Ransom has won six of his fifteen race starts, and is from the dam Witch Magic which won the 2006 Ballarat Cup.
Held For Ransom jumped from Box 8 last week and never gave his opposition a chance, recording an impressive 3.5 length win in a scintillating 25.37 seconds.
All six of his wins have been over similar distances to the final, but he will have to overcome an awkward Box 4 draw and an expected dash to the first turn.
Cold Cold Change was also an impressive heat winner last week when he was slow out, but mustered plenty of speed to salute the judge by 3.5 lengths.
The son of Big Daddy Cool is a real up and comer for McDonald and has won five of his seven race starts, which included a city class win at Sandown.
Cold Cold Change has not drawn the outside box so far in his career, but has shown that he is a versatile chaser who should give a good account of himself.
In another training feat, young Yarragon trainer Scott Holmes has also qualified two runners for the Final.
Holmes has Karen Reltub which will jump from Box 2, and Perrini from Box 7.
Karen Reltub put up a good effort to run second to Held For Ransom last week, whilst Perrini overcame a check to run over the top of Boss Saquan.
The pair are sure to give a good account of themselves if they are able to get a clear run in the race.
Fletcher Jones Trophy Preview
Tornado Tom
Trainer : G Ennis, Sandhurst
Comment : Heat winner last week in a handy 25.52 from same box draw as tonight. Five starts at the track for a win and two minor placings
Karen Reltub
Trainer : S. Holmes, Yarragon
Comment : Pacy beginner who could prove hard to catch from box draw. Has only had one start at the track for a second behind Held For Ransom
Rohan's Article
Trainer : C. Johannsen, Devon Meadows
Comment : Ran second behind Cold Cold Change last week when led from Box 1
Held For Ransom
Trainer : D. McDonald, Cranbourne
Comment : Impressive 25.37 winner in heat last week when exited Box 8. One of the main chances
Albus Dumbledore
Trainer : L. Cockerell, Buckley
Comment : Has an awkward draw and will need luck in running
Happy New Year
Trainer : L. Mitchell, Winchelsea
Comment : Drawn awkwardly but was a good second behind Tornado Tom last week
Perrini
Trainer : S. Holmes, Yarragon
Comment : Promising type who overcame a check in running to record a good victory last week
Cold Cold Change
Trainer : D. McDonald, Cranbourne
Comment : Impressive heat winner last week. Up and comer who has won 5 of his 7 race starts
Synchronizing
Trainer : M. Rudd, Cranbourne
Comment : Pacy type but will need luck if she gets a run
Boss Saquan
Trainer : E. Lloyd, Anakie
Comment : Second behind Perrini last week but yet to win over this trip
Selections : 1st Cold Cold Change, 2nd Karen Reltub, 3rd Held For Ransom