On opening night of the Regional Qualifying Heats of the GRNSW + Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase at Bathurst, it was girls’ night out with three bitches each winning a heat. On Tuesday night at Lismore, it was a night for the Queenslanders, as a slick pair hopped across the border and took the first step towards the $1 million to the winner, October 20, Grand Final.
Queenslanders Snug and Big Bad Bob were both considered strong chances heading into the series, and both justified those thoughts with impressive heat wins on a track which had been soaked by rain throughout the day.
The Darren Russell-trained Snug jumped to the front and never looked over her shoulder as she went about her business in the lead and scored a comfortable 30.04s win, the fastest of the four heats run.
Runner-up to Snug was Cash Point who produced a tremendous performance after being slowly away, to power home and grab second, still three lengths behind Snug. Unfortunately for his connections, Cash Point earned the wrath of stewards and as a result is now unable to take his place in the final.
It wasn’t just a night of Queenslanders though, it was also a night of big runs, and while the results will say the odds-on favourite Big Bad Bob (pictured) won comfortably and booked his place in next week’s Lismore Regional Final, that’s not even half the story.
Big Bad Bob missed the kick, was squeezed soon after, and tailed the field at the first turn. Thankfully for his supporters, this was where things improved. Bob stayed on the fence in the small field which was decimated by scratching leaving just five runners, got the rails run, moved into second up the back, and from there wore down tearaway leader Farmor In Time and went on for a three and a quarter length win in 30.24s.
Comfortable in the end, but hold your breath at the start and during the run.
Trained by Gold Coast GP, Dr George Clegg, Big Bad Bob – winner of the Townsville Cup last start - improved his record at Lismore to six wins and two placings from eight starts.
Bob’s fellow Maroon, Farmor In Time, held on for second and claimed a berth in the next Tuesday night's final.
NSW then got moving in the third heat when Raven Izmir led all the way to record her 20th win from 38 starts, and fifth win from seven starts around the Lismore 520m.
While not to the extent of Big Bad Bob, the ride for favourite backers was not a smooth one. She looked to be under pressure on the top turn, but found an extra gear and went on to win by three quarters of a length in a Time of 30.18s.
Coming back in distance for the heat, Final Chalice ran home strongly to pick up second and a place in the final.
Final Chalice’s trainer Peter Simpson qualified another for the final when his talented Chaser Jonesy, once again displayed his mix of speed and stamina, running away for an impressive 30.06s win.
Last into the final was Knock Me Over who ran on well from a long way back to snatch second, four lengths behind Jonesy.
Fastest third, Southern Ripple, took the place of Cash Point for the final.
The box draw for the final was conducted later in the evening.
1 - Snug
2 - Final Chalice
3 - Jonesy
4 - Farmor In Time
5 – Southern Ripple
6 - Raven Izmir
7 - Big Bad Bob
8 - Knock Me Over
The GRNSW + Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase resumes on Thursday night with two venues hosting regional heats, Wagga Wagga and Maitland.
