Jess Hull has put in a professional performance to cruise through her women’s mile heat ahead of starring in the 5000m final later tonight.

The Australian track star was helped by the slow pace set over the opening laps, but never looked stressed, even as the pace increased.

She effectively jogged over the line in second as she qualified for the next stage comfortably.

“That was as straightforward as it could be,” she told Channel 7.

“I think heats can be really messy, and that was pretty clean, so I’m happy with it.”

Hull admitted she found it “different” having to hold herself back with a final in mind later in the day.

“It was interesting because usually you get so up for a race, and I was just trying to stay quite even and pretend this was my shake out,” she said.

“It’s a different mindset, but when you put the uniform on, you can’t help but get the jitters and get excited.”

Her teammate Abbey Caldwell was just as impressive as she jogged over the line to qualify, barely a metre behind Hull, comfortably.

“I just wanted to stay calm and comfortable and as relaxed as possible,” she told Channel 7.

“I think I did that bit, and then it started progressing and picking up, but I was really happy and comfortable. Got the job done.”

The pair will have competition with fellow Aussie Claudia Hollingsworth, the fastest qualifier in the much faster second heat.

Michelle Jenneke is through to a fourth Commonwealth Games final after clearing the 100m hurdles in a blistering 12.72 seconds.

Her injury troubles are well and truly behind her as the bubbly fan-favourite bounced her way back to her best.

“Those hurdles were coming up at me fast, and that wind was pushing me up there,” she told Channel 7 post-race.

“I was really happy with (the start), I hope there is more in the tank for tonight.”

Australia also made a very impressive start to action in the Velodrome, with the men’s and women’s teams through to the gold medal match in the team pursuits.

And both will be taking on fierce rivals.

The women resume Commonwealth Games combat with the Kiwis as they look to win a third straight gold in the event, while the men will play out the Ashes of the Velodrome against England.

Somewhat disappointingly, it would have seen ex-Australia defector Matthew Richardson go against some of his former teammates had he not been ruled out of competing due to an injury sustained in Japan after being brutally taken out by a rival competitor mid-race.