Bundoran was 12^th in the rankings after a fifth and a sixth in the first two rounds of heats, but did more than enough to secure his place in the final at Menangle.

Taking advantage of barrier one, Bathurst trainer-driver Amanda Turnbull was able to find space just at the right time for the four-year-old to take out his heat at Newcastle on Sunday night.

Bundoran edged past Max Delight to win by a halfhead in a mile rate of 1:53.2.

It will be Bundoran's fourth attempt at a group one this season with his best result a sixth in the Blacks A Fake in Queensland.

He is raced by Boots and the Sandy Lodge syndicate, which is managed by Jenny Turnbull.

Former Young trainer Jason Grimson qualified Majestic Cruiser and Boncel Benjamin for the pacers final.

Belinda McCarthy's stablemates King Of Swing and Expensive Ego have come through the series undefeated.

However Timothy Red could not repeat this efforts in the Trotters division.

After winning his first two heats for former Junee reinsman Cameron Hart, Timothy Red finished sixth in the final round of heats on Sunday.

He was beaten by 13.9 metres by The Penny Drops after drawing the outside of the front row and settling at the back of the field.

Hart will drive Majestic Cruiser in his final.

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