Unfortunately, the sunshine didn’t help champion Tornado Tears over the line for a win in his Brisbane Gold Cup heat on Thursday night at Albion Park.

After jumping midfield, Tornado Tears couldn’t find his way to the fence throughout the race but when he decided to take the outside alley, he was able to storm home to finish third.

Bago Bluff gave Darren Russell his second winner in the heats, while Dyna Chancer put in a solid performance to finish second.

WATCH: Bago Bluff (2) win the second Gold Cup heat over Dyna Chancer (8) and Tornado Tears (6).

The opening Gold Cup heat went the way of Bago Bye Bye (pictured) in the fastest qualifying time of 41.47.

Poco Dorado finished second in front of former Victorian Peppertide.

Ella Enchanted was the $2 favourite at box rise after drawing box one, and eye-catching performances over the staying trip in Victoria prior.

WATCH: Bago Bye Bye (2) win his Gold Cup heat over Poco Dorado (8) and Peppertide (3).

Box draw for the 2019 TAB Brisbane Gold Cup (710m)
1) Bago Bluff                  Darren Russell
2) Tornado Tears          Robert Britton
3) Dyna Chancer           Correy Grenfell
4) Peppertide                Steven Scott
5) Stevick                        Steven Scott
6) Bago Bye Bye            Darren Russell
7) Poco Dorado             John Finn
8) Infrared Lad              Joanne Price
reserves
9) Veloce Nero              John Finn
10) Ella Enchanted       Brooke Ennis