Coolavanny Jap, who set the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake alight last week with a 28.22sec performance, was the biggest casualty of the third round over 525 yards at Limerick on Saturday.
Pat Buckley’s runner was involved in first bend trouble before a stumble at the third turn put paid to his chances of qualifying.
The race went to Patrick O’Connor’s Pale Moon who led off the second turn to beat Boherna Pedro by a short head in 28.70sec.
Droopys Braedon (Sparta Maestro-Droopys Orleans, Apr 13) completed a magnificent seven-timer in the second qualifier.
Robert Gleeson’s runner was soon clear after a fast break and went on to beat Boylesports Jet (name changed from Hoodwinked after John Boyle purchased him) by three quarters of a length in a fastest 28.35sec.
Graham Holland’s Rural Hawaii kept his unbeaten record alive in the competition with victory in heat four.
The Head Bound dog got first run on main rival Cunning Barney and went on to score by a neck in 28.45sec.
Neilus O’Connell’s Fastaway Jayfkay was a trap to line winner of heat three when holding Country Legend by a neck in 28.73sec. The hot favourite Go Django was knocked over at the opening turn.
