The Smith’s BMW rider lapped at 130.871mph, 1.883 mph seconds ahead of Dean Harrison (Silcone Kawasaki). Lee Johnston was third quickest on the Ashcourt Racing BMW.

Jamie Coward continued to impress on the Prez Yamaha, posting 4th fastest time with Davey Todd (Wepol/Penz13.com BMW) 5th.

Paul Jordan’s second lap 126.572mph was quick enough to give him 6th place on the grid for Saturday’s race before the Magherafelt rider slid off his RC Express/Dafabet Devitt’s Kawasaki at Leathemstown. He was uninjured in the crash.

Michael Sweeney (MJR BMW), David Johnson (Honda Racing), Derek Sheils (RK Racing/Burrows Suzuki) and Shaun Anderson (NW Racing BMW) completed the top ten.

Conor Cummins could only manage a lap of 125.090mph on the Milenco Padgett’s Honda for 14th place. Michael Dunlop was even further down the order in 29th place on the MD Racing BMW after completing just two laps.

The session was red flagged after a rider crashed at Dawson’s Bend with five minutes of the 30 minute session remaining. After receiving medical attention at trackside he was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.