TORONTO - One of the most anticipated races in the provincial election kicked off in earnest Thursday with the nomination of Conservative Leader John Tory, who will attempt to wrest a key Toronto riding from the province's education minister.

Tory officially received the party's nomination in the riding of Don Valley West, and all parties are shifting into election mode following the adjournment of the legislature leading up to the Oct. 10 vote.

The riding is expected to be one of the key battlegrounds, as polls show the Liberals and Conservatives in a tight race for support.

"I don't take the assignment lightly,'' said Tory, adding he's already been out canvassing in the riding.

"I think it's important that somebody in the new government be the champion for Toronto. I want to be that champion _ not at the expense of any other part of Ontario but just a champion ... who can make sure that this city gets the attention it needs.''

The riding, which Tory was born and raised in, is diverse. Although it includes the wealthiest section of Toronto _ known as the Bridle Path _ it is also home to a large number of new immigrants and working-class voters.

Education Minister Kathleen Wynne, who won the riding from a Conservative cabinet minister in 2003, said she's not worried about facing off against Tory. She has the support of some key teachers' unions _ something the Conservatives didn't have in 2003 when they lost to the Liberals.

Given Tory's support for funding private schools, education "is going to be a very hard sell for him,'' Wynne said.

"I don't feel daunted,'' she said. "Any election is a challenge. I've won elections before. I've lost elections. ... And I am very optimistic going into this.''

Pollster John Wright, vice-president at Ipsos-Reid, said the Don Valley West race is "one to watch.''

The Conservatives will likely throw all their resources at winning the riding, he said. But while Wynne will have the luxury of spending all her time there, Tory has to campaign across the province, he said.

A Conservative victory in Don Valley West is vital if the party is to make a breakthrough in Toronto and form the next government, Wright said.

"Toronto is the linchpin for the Tories to get either a minority or a majority,'' he said. "They've got to break in and, right now, based on what I see, it's going to be tough for them to do that. It's going to be hand-to-hand combat.''