Lenson Sanchez clocked a sensational 28.09 when landing his semi-final of the Joe Dunne Memorial over 525 yards at Shelbourne Park on Saturday.
Pat Buckley’s runner, the 4-6 favourite, got a great start from trap one and was soon clear. Stretching out well he came home three lengths clear of the staying on Owen McKenna’s Farloe Hunter by three lengths in 28.09sec, the fastest time of the year.
McKenna had better luck in the opening semi-final when scoring with Bearatipp. The son of Droopys Scolari was soon clear and went on to hold Ballymac Gordie by two lengths in 28.46ec.
Kingdom Derby winner Clares Wonder went quickest in the Best Car Parks Gold Cup heats over the same 525 yards.
Graham Holland’s runner flew out of the six box and made all to beat Budgie Bypass by four lengths in 28.27sec.
Trainer Paul Hennessy landed three of the other five heats with Priceless Lassie, De Real McCoy and Painstown Chief.
Trouble saw Priceless Lassie come home alone in the first heat to record 28.43sec.
De Real McCoy made all in heat three to clock 28.39sec, while Painstown Chief scored in similar style in heat five to record 28.44sec.
Crackling Jack picked up long-time leader Vans Viking in heat six to post 28.53sec, while Noel Mullins’ Stone Boy King led all the way in heat four to score in 28.79sec.
Meanwhile at Limerick, Droopys Braedon, was the star of the Vetsearch Recharge A3 Stake when dominating his second round heat to post 28.38sec.
At Cork, Madra Deas and Sunrise Ice were joint-quickest in the Guinness Trophy over 525 yards when winning their heats in 28.64sec.
