Cawbourne Philip sounded a warning to his Dunedin Cup rivals with a victory in the first of the two heats at Forbury Park yesterday.
The John McInerney-trained dog worked to the lead by the time the field passed the winning post for the first time and was never headed, despite a late bid from Jinjarango 1 lengths back.
The product of Elite State galloped the 545m in 32.44sec, bringing his track record to three wins from his five appearances at the Dunedin track.
Jinjarango, No Undies Sundy and Know Attempt gained the other places in the final from the first heat.
Opawa Casper upset the form card in the second heat, taking the win after coming in off the ballot.
Starting from box six after the scratching of Opawa Swede, Opawa Casper managed to muscle through to hold the lead ahead of Homebush Chopper with a lap to go and kept clear of Thrilling Marty to win in 32.50.
Opawa Casper's victory also gave trainers Josh Lane and Robin Wales their 100th win for the season.
Homebush Chopper and Opawa No Ear held on to the other final qualifying positions.
The $5500 Dunedin Cup final will be held at Forbury Park on April 29.
The Colin Keen Memorial, run in remembrance of the former Otago club president who died last year, was won by the Garry Cleeve-trained Pearl's Boy.
