James Kernan plotted his route for tomorrow's Canada Life Grade A championship by scoring in the final qualifier at Ballsbridge yesterday with his long-striding grey, Cheyne Walk.
The Crossmaglen rider had a tough task, having fought back to recover an early lead taken by Lieut Danielle Quinlivan and the Cruising mare, Cruise Hill.
Just three riders made the cut for the jump-off, the third slot secured by Nations Cup team member, Peter Charles and the latest addition to his string, Traxdata Chantilly.
Charles set the pace with a time of 36.50 seconds before Lieut-Quinlivan sliced another second off in 35.23. Despite the brilliant performance of the sole female rider of the Army Equitation School, Kernan had his nine-year-old on song for pole position.
Formerly owned by Neil Turkington, Cheyne Walk provided Kernan with a foot-perfect clear in 33.87 to join the elite group which will bid for the coveted Grade A title in the main arena tomorrow morning.
There was plenty of competition in the first of the qualifiers for the Rockbarton Grades B and C championship, which saw numerous grand prix horses from the national circuit, including the 1999 RDS six-year-old champion, Gelvin Clover.
Although Gelvin Clover did not feature this year, the Army were on hand with a string of promising youngsters, and rivals were unable to catch the time set by Lieut Shane Carey and Laughton Lass.
The 22-year-old from Co Limerick, who has been a member of three winning Nations Cup teams this year, is now making a name for himself at home, including winning the double at Newcastlewest show last month.
Former national champion Clement McMahon also secured places in the final for stablemates Horsepower Master Of Moments and Carnival Henry when holding on for second and third.
Denis Coakley dominated both first and second positions in the six-year-old qualifier with Urrahills Sparky and Quiletto.