Black Alder set the standard in the heats of the 40th Texacloth Puppy Derby over 525 yards at Newbridge on Friday.
The son of Zero Ten owned by Peter Comerford and Tony Moore led from the opening turn and went on to slam Burgess Import by four lengths in 28.56sec.
The duo had a quick double when litter brother Bittersweet landed the fourth heat. The 70 pounder pulled clear at halfway to score a two and a half length victory over Skywalker Rory in 28.86sec.
Southern Oaks runner-up Badminton Rossa, a winner of five of her six races, landed the opening heat.
David McGrath’s runner passed the leader Water Fern on the last turn and went on to score by three lengths in 28.73sec.
Marie Gilbert’s Swords Ace led at halfway in the second qualifier to beat Natural Charm by a length and a half in 28.67sec.
Kieran Lynch’s Barnfield Panda gave a start and a length beating to Danesrath Beauty in heat five to record 28.78sec.
