Lacca Champion returned to defend his title as 215 entries were received including the team of Midlands-based Geoff DeMulder; they included ante-post favourite Desert Pilot and leading contenders Sarahs Bunny and Pat Seamur.

[3] The first two rounds saw both Desert Pilot and Laurels winner Another Spatter suffer defeats and Pat Seamur go out altogether.

[3] A difficult quarter final drew Desert Pilot, Lacca Champion and Sarahs Bunny in the same heat.

Eric Pateman scored a double with Tyrean and Young Toby with Jebb Rambler completing the four quarter final winners.

Tyrean, a former White City grader won his semi-final from Lacca Champion and First General and in the second semi Sarahs Bunny gained revenge on kennelmate Desert Pilot with Tough Decision splitting the pair.