Sidarian Vega and Milltown Raffa were joint-fastest in the heats of the Doire Construction Champion Stakes over 550 yards at Shelbourne Park on Saturday.
Tralee Juvenile Classic winner Sidarian Vega flew out of the boxes and made all the running to hold the late surge of Cesarewitch winner Paradise Maverik by a neck in 29.65sec.
Laurels winner Midtown Raffa broke in front in the third qualifier to score a length and a half victory over Budgie Bypass in 29.65sec.
There was turn-up in the opening eliminator when Paul Hennessy’s Barefoot Artist at 10-1 was never headed and came home a neck clear of Riverside Pat in 29.87sec.
Draw for Saturday’s final:
1 Sidarian Vega
2 Riiverside Pat
3 Midtown Raffa
4 Paradise Macverik
5 Barefoot Artist
6 Budgie Bypass
Pat O’Brien’s Peregrine Falcon impressed In the Open 525 contest when leading from the opening turn to register a four length victory over Swords Ace in 28.35sec.
Ian Reilly’s House Doctor went fastest in the Boylesports A1 heats when spread-eagling his rivals and come home seven lengths clear in a quick 28.35sec.
Mucho Macho Man led from start to finish in heat one to score in 28.47sec.
