Darkdesert Oasis stamped his authority on the 78th running of the prestigious 2008 Pattinson Construction Trafalgar Cup with a scintillating performance in this week's qualifiers and carries a confident nap in the £1,000 final at Oxford Stadium tonight.

  • The Tony Hackett-trained Coventry charge ran away with heat 3 on Tuesday, posting a time of 26.68secs which was far and away the fastest of the heats.

He out-pointed the ante-post favourite Seanis Lad who also qualified in a regulation 27.04, so is a hot favourite to take the title tonight.

Seanis Lad trapped faster than Oasis, but his time was some 0.36 spots slower which equates to four and a half lengths.

The way Seanis is drawn in trap six, and Oasis has the plum red jacket draw, it all points to Oasis holding the trump card tonight.

Any trouble in the race will see Jim Reynolds Romford raider Tells Michelle to the fore after she came from nowhere to grab second spot behind Seanis Lad.

Hard luck story in the heats was local hope Isle of Tara, trained by Angie Kibble.

The in-form black bitch was just starting her run for a storming finish down the back straight when she was forced to check up trying to switch to the outside for her usual late rally and finished a length from qualifying.

It's Darkdesert Oasis from Seanis Lad and Tells Michelle for the final outcome.

HOW THEY LINE-UP

Trap 1: Darkdesert Oasis - blebd bitch. (Boherduff Light/Riverside Trixie). Mar 06. Trainer: Tony Hackett (Coventry). Won seven of his 14 races. Best time: 26.86. Price guide 4-6.

Trap 2: Move It Honcho - ble b (Honcho Classic/Similar Colour). Mar 06. Mark Locke (Romford). Six/thirteen. 27.04. 5-1.

Trap 3: Drink Up Zorro - wbe d (Galipip Trooper/Hows Tings). May 06. Paul Sallis (Hall Green). Seven/14. 27.09. 5-1.

Trap 4: Tells Michelle - bd d (Droopys Woods/Sensational). Jly 06. Jim Reynolds (Romford). three/nine. 27.18. 10-1.

Trap 5: Lockdale Diamond - bk (Droopys Kewell/Queens Surprise). May 06. Mark Wallis (Walthamstow). one/two. 27.03. 6-1.

Trap 6: Seanis Lad - bkw d (Droopys Scholes/Precious Jewel). Mar 06. (Mark Wallis (Walthamstow). four/nine. 26.96. 3-1.

  • TONIGHT'S big race will be supported by nine open races and sees the return of impressive Oxfordshire Stakes winner Brickfield Class and the Nick Colton-trained prolific Oxford winner Grayfox Chip.

TONIGHT'S RUNNERS

7.35: NORTHERLY GAIL, Riochs Droopys, Lemon Rocky 3, Pearly White, Connolly Rebel, Shelbourne Ruby.

7.50: Snazzy Charm, Positive Step 3, CREAMERY BRIDGE, King Mise, Tonetta Balboa, Togoodforyou.

8.05: Moss Hill, Gixser 3, Clonkelly Jumbo, Gold Tip, Tippit, READY STAR.

8.20: Full Bloom, GRAYFOX CHIP, I Hope So, Discreet Cat, Tullymurry Dora, Hondo Mac 3.

8.35: CHILL OUT LAD, Crosskeys Razor, Winetavern Boxer, Hedrivesmemad 3, Blackstone Champ, Barnfield Chubby.

8.50: As Time Goes By, Ottawa Princess 3, Creggan Duff, THE CASHIER, Special Caesar, Zamora Girl.

9.05: Lee Tanga, KELJO KEANE, Shelbourne Capri, Swift Random, Butterbridge Ali 3, Mystic Breeze.

9.20: BRICKFIELD CLASS, Glencoe Lass, Seanis Strike 3, Ronnies Hustle, Adamant Mojo, Happy Memories.

9.35: Lughill Sammy, Genesis Dream, WILCOS MATE, Saigonhero, Riverside Yank, Droopys Riquelme 3.

9.50: DARKDESERT OASIS, Moveit Honcho, Drink Up Zorro, Tells Michelle 3, Lockdale Diamond, Seanis Lad.

10.05: Sweetest Millie 3, Solid Funky, Cumnor Lass, WRONG ROAD, Snazzy Sky.

10.20: Brindle Magic, Pennys Sequin, Sober Girl 3, Gay Trick, FOSSIL, Clenconor.

Nap: Darkdesert Oasis.