Raymond Graham, Star Writer

Two years ago, Stephenie McPherson finished second behind Novlene Williams-Mills in the Women's 400m at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association/Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships, but a year ago had to settle for third as her teammate, Christine Day surprised her for second as Williams - Mills continued her good run at these championships with another national title.

All this is expected to change this time around when the women's 400m final get under way on Sunday at 4 p.m. as it should be one of several wins for athletes from MVP Track Club.

Defending champion, Williams -Mills, who got a bye for the Beijing World Championships for being the Diamond League winner of the event last year, has been entered for the event but her presence will not bring any fear to the Commonwealth Games champion, McPherson.

McPherson has been the country's best female quarter-miler so far this season and has gone sub-51 seconds on five occasions with her 50.40 seconds third-place finish at the Prefontaine Classics in Eugene, Oregon, being a season best so far. In all her races so far this season she is yet to finish out of the top three position and has only been beaten so far by the American pair of Sanya Richards-Ross and World leader Francena McCorory, and Shaunae Miller of The Bahamas.

On the other hand, it has not been a good start to the season for the defending champion, Williams-Mills, as following her third-place finish and season best of 51.11 seconds at the Drake Relays in April, she has been finding the going very rough and is yet to finish ahead of McPherson.

This event could be a great one for athletes from the Stephen Francis-coached MVP Track Club as they could occupy the top five spots here. Day normally runs at her best at these championships and another good run is expected from her as she tries for another top three finish once again.

With a season best of 51.14 seconds in this event, intermediate hurdler Kaliese Spencer, who is in great form in that event, could be the major threat to her teammate McPherson, and could pull out a surprise here and win her first national title in this event.

All eyes will also be on the former Vere Technical athlete Shericka Jackson who has a season best of 51.39 seconds and after being plagued with injuries earlier in her career she seems to have overcome that issue and a big run is expected from her.