Mullings will be challenged by a host of Americans, headed by Olympic 200m champion Shawn Crawford. The other notable sprinters facing the start's gun in the event are Trell Kimmons, the second quickest this season, at 6.60 seconds and DaBryan Blanton, the third fastest, already in this early term.

Another Jamaican, Larone Clarke, as well as young sprint ace Mark Jelks, are also listed amongst those challenging for the short dash crown.

Brooks ready for a strong season

The women's event is headed by Jamaican 2006 Commonwealth Games 100m champion Sheri-Ann Brooks, who is said to be in fantastic condition heading into the New Year. The Jamaican has not fully broken herself into the 60m dash in her career as yet, but this season the event is being set as the foundation for successful year.

"We are looking to get her (Brooks) started out fast to move up the world rankings," Brooks' agent told Caribbean Net News earlier this month.

Brooks is expected to get hard challenges from Marshevet Hooker, Miki Barber, the twin sister of World Indoor champion Me'Lisa Barber, Angela Daigle-Bowen and Rachelle Smith, in a field that is dominated by American runners.

Michelle Freeman and Andrea Bliss will feature in a women's 60m hurdles field that also includes 2003 World champion Perdita Felicien and the energetic Priscilla Lopes, both of whom are from Canada. The one most likely to beat, however, is American hurdler Danielle Carruthers.

On the men's side, Haiti's Dudley Dorival will have his hands full when he lines up against a crowd of Americans, which includes Joel Brown, the second fastest this season, Aries Merritt, David Payne and Josh Walker.

The women's 400m dash has Ronetta Smith and Patricia Hall in the line up, but race favourite Dee Dee Trotter (53.05) and fellow American teammate Monica Hargrove are, however, the ones to beat.