The leading British entries were Juvenile champion Upland Tiger, Pall Mall Stakes winner Creamery Pat, Deel Joker and the Geoff DeMulder trio of North Rain, Heres Gay and Prince Spy.

Precious Time trained by Jill Holt was the pick of the first round winners recording 29.20, just ahead of Rahan Ship 29.26 and Heres Gay 29.27.

[5] The first semi-final resulted in Parkdown Jet setting a new track record time of 29.09, Barley Field and In Flight finished five lengths behind with Greenane Metro failing to progress.

The second semi went the way of Rahan Ship from Clohast Flame; Prince Spy ran on to beat early leader Deel Joker for the final qualifying place.

Parkdown Jet having just his ninth race for owners Mick and Sean Barnett held off Prince Spy to win with Rahan Ship making significant ground on the pair coming home an unlucky third.