St Leger winner Fizzypop Buddy (6-4jf) produced an impressive performance in the heats of the Coral Regency over 695 metres at Hove on Thursday.
June Harvey’s runner was soon clear and saw off the challenge of Henlow Gold Cup winner Mossvale Ace by three and a half lengths in 41.12sec. The other joint-favourite Droopys Cottage was third.
Digby Mia (4-1) looked impressive to the eye when landing the opening qualifier. Daniel Brabon’s dog was led by to the penultimate turn by the favourite Mustang Chick and the pair was well clear of the remainder.
The Sittingbourne runner swept past and went on to score by six lengths in 41.59sec.
The second heat saw the withdrawal of De Star Lord and Ribble Atom took full advantage.
Mark Wallis’s marathon star, the 5-4 favourite, held her place during first bend scrimmaging and led from the second turn to beat Jet Stream Trail by almost five lengths in 41.61sec.
Fabulous Model (4-5f) produced a strong running performance to land the third qualifier.
Dave Firmager’s bitch was mid division until turning on the power down the back straight and went on to beat Hi Falcon by just over four lengths in 41.96sec.
Mark Wallis’s Billys Bullet, who was seriously injured in this race last year, was a shock 8-1 winner of the fifth heat.
Kennelmate and Golden Jacket winner Patchys Kerry was clear until the last turn when the tank was empty and Billy Bullet got up close home to score by three quarters of a length in 41.60sec.
Trainer Dave Firmager’s had a double with Romeo Storm in the last heat when he made all the running to upset the odds-on Oneco Sky by almost two lengths in 41.89sec.
