SEAGLASS TIGER led a Patrick Janssens-trained treble on the night as he began his defence of the Ladbrokes Gold Cup in the best possible style with a fluent victory in heat one of the 480m annual at Monmore.

Last year’s champion broke smartly and dominated proceedings from the get-go, producing arguably his best performance since a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he made all to win by three and a half lengths from favourite Waikiki Lad (Ted Soppitt) in 28.01sec (normal).

The victory delighted trainer Janssens, who continues to lead the way in the GBGB Trainer of the Year standings, commenting: “It was a fantastic run and, after his broken hock, I’m so pleased for him and Evan (Herbert, owner). He’s getting better with each run and, if he’s close to the rails, always has a chance.”

Bockos Doomie, the ante-post favourite, landed a Gold Cup heat double for Janssens in heat four as the recent Sussex Cup winner continued his impressive run of form with another victory – his 11th in a row.

Breaking smartly and heading towards the rails, the Bev Lochead and Austin Whelan-owned star was always bossing proceedings, although the staying-on Vixons Lad (Brian Thompson) got to within three-quarters of a length of the 28.18sec winner.

“Bockos Doomie had a week off and seemed to struggle coming home. As always we’ll have him checked out but he seems well in himself and I think will come on for the run and look round the track again.”

Fastest of the Gold Cup winners was another prolific winner in the form of Queen Jessiej, who broke smartly in heat three to soon put market rival Referendum (Tony McKenna) under pressure – albeit the runner-up never gave up in behind.

However it was Liz McNair’s outstanding bitch who kept up a furious gallop to score by almost five lengths in a brilliant 27.85sec.

The other heats were won by the Hayley Keightley-trained Hiya Boyo (28.16sec) who showed superb back-straight pace on his way to winning heat two, while Kim Billingham’s leading local Market Call roared back to winning form in heat five in all-the-way style in 28.11sec.

The final heat saw Droopys Addition return successfully to the scene of his Trafalgar Cup success over C&D last year as Ernie Gaskin’s star came home well to edge out Lenson Whelan (Patrick Janssens) in heat six in 28.03sec.

Monmore racing manager Tony Williamson said: “The Gold Cup heats helped make it a fantastic night overall for us. Queen Jessiej showed rapid pace and was quickest overall, which was no surprise given the performance.

“Seeing Market Call back to winning ways was also great for Kim (Billingham). The dog had plenty of local support and the stage his set for another cracking night’s racing here at Monmore next Saturday for the semi-finals of the Gold Cup and Summer Stayers Classic.”

Trap draw for Semi-finals on Saturday 22nd August, live on RPGTV

Semi Final 1:1 QUEEN JESSIEJ, 2 REFERENDUM, 3 WAIKIKI LAD, 4 MILLION WINK, 5 VIXONS LAD, 6 GONZO (M)

Semi Final 2:1 DROOPYS ADDITION, 2 SEAGLASS TIGER, 3 FIGHT THE POWER, 4 LENSON WHELAN, 5 HATHER REGAL (M), 6 DOWER TYSON (W)

Semi Final 3: 1 BOCKOS DOOMIE, 2 HIYA BOYO, 3 CONEY BOOM BOOM,  4 MAGICAL OTIS, 5 BOCKOS BOSS (M), 6 MARKET CALL (W)