All of the favourites eased their way through to the finals of the Front Street Mile during qualifying heats at Saltus Field over the weekend, but it was youngster Flora Duffy who grabbed most of the attention.

The 11-year-old Warwick Academy schoolgirl, who won the Bank of Butterfield-sponsored race in the Under-12 girls category last year, set a blistering pace to again lead the qualifiers in that age division.

But not only was her time of five minutes, 58 seconds more than 25 seconds quicker than her nearest rival, it was also faster than any of the girls in the Under-18 division.

With the National Stadium track unavailable because of repairs, several of the athletes found the improvised grass track at Saltus much slower, but along with Duffy's, there were some notable performances.

Former male open winner Jamal Hart set the pace among the seniors, clocking a quick 4:46.8, ahead of Damian Simmons in 4:49.3 and regular contender Sheldon Thompson in 4:55.6.

Defending champion David Dunwoody was unable to compete because of a ligament injury, but has been reserved a spot in the January final.

Defending ladies' champion Karen Adams served notice of her intention to repeat with the fastest female time of 5:20.8.

Anna Eatherley followed in 5:34.7 with Lynn Patchett the third fastest in 5:43.4.

Tyler Butterfield, as expected, led the Under-18 boys, clocking 4:52.2, some four seconds ahead of Richard Walcott (4:56.5) with Larry Marshall following in 5:01.1.

Jennifer Young was quickest among the Under-18 girls, with a time of 6:06.9, followed by Shar-dae Whitter (6:12.7) and Ashley Robinson-Roberts (6:14.7).

The Under-12 boys category, which attracted the largest field of qualifiers -- 92 -- was led by Geoffrey Smith in 5:47.8. Chayce Smith was close behind in 5:53.0 followed by Tyler Abbott (5:53.2).

Duffy's sizzling time led a field of 47 with Deneka Borden taking second spot in 6:23.7 and Ashley Brooke third in 6.29.2.

The top 20 in each category, providing their time was under eight minutes, qualified for the finals.

Full results, see Scoreboard.

JENNIFER YOUNG -- fastest qualifier among the Under-18 girls during the weekend's mile trials.