Fastest heat winner Tarsna Rory was withdrawn from the second round of the Red Mills Champion Open Unraced Stake over 525 yards at Kilkenny on Friday.
In his absence, the race went to Laura Kennedy’s Flawless Spirit, who made every yard of the running to beat General Sherman by five and a half lengths in 29.12sec.
Fastest time of the round went to Perry Alyward’s Skilful Legend, who was a trap to line winner of the opening qualifier when seeing off Material Man by two lengths in 29.01sec.
Shutthe Backdoor, who is now under the care of Brendan Matthews, led early in the second qualifier to score a five and a half length victory over Derryhogan Flame in 29.39sec.
Drumkeen Oyster reeled in long-time leader Black Alder in the final qualifier to score by a neck in 29.57sec.
Semi-final draw:
First semi:
1 Drumkeen Oyster
2 General Sherman
3 Material Man
4 Ballybough Lee
5 Black Alder
6 Derryhogan Flame
Second semi:
1 Crossfield Titus
2 Skilful Legend
3 Sword Fun
4 Shutthe Backdoor
5 Flawless Spirit
6 Pennys Ruffian
