Line Of Quality was a clear last out of the boxes but quickly moved up to third after railing inside a scrimmage at the first corner on Friday night.

He then moved to the lead down the back straight and sprinted clear to win by almost nine lengths in a time of 41.72 seconds.

"He did a good job," Thomas said. "His run-home section was out of this world, one of the fastest ever at Sandown.

"It's no good being last, but that's where he's racing now so we've just got to hope."

Line Of Quality drew seven for the final but Thomas said it made no difference to the notoriously poor beginner.

"I don't think it matters what box he draws these days," he said. "Any other race, any other dog you would say box draws are very important, but the way he's got into his racing pattern now, it doesn't really matter."

At Wentworth Park on Saturday night, Thomas had no luck with Mr. Ticket in semis of the Flight To The Phoenix, while Butterwick trainer Michael Manuel qualified Chevy Royale for the final.

Mr. Ticket started well and led in the second semi-final down the back but was under pressure at the final bend. Aston Barak and Good Odds Cash took advantage and finished one-two, with Mr. Ticket a length back in third.

Chevy Royale was runner-up in semi No.3 to make next Saturday night's final.

"We just had no luck in the run and got beat a length, and that happens," Thomas said.

"He got to the front but he was jostling with another dog inside him and it was bumper cars the whole way."