It took four venues and 13 races in the GRNSW + Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase, but eventually there was an upset, and at Wagga Wagga, they arrived in twos.
Firstly 20-1 chance Myrniong Magic caused a major boilover and left favourite backers sprawled on the canvas in the first of two heats on Thursday night, and the upsets didn’t cease there, as in the other heat, 40-1 chance Lace Monster stormed home to win and upset another short-priced favourite.
The opening heat was expected to be dominated by the $1.25 favourite Blue Sky Riot, but on a rain-soaked Wagga track, the favourite could manage only third pLace, still good enough to qualify for next week’s Regional Final at the track.
Blue Sky Riot was having her first run back since cracking a hock in a heat of the Golden Easter Egg at Wentworth Park back in March this year. She had trialed well and was expected to make a winning return, but the race just never panned out for her.
Corleone King flew the lids and led clearly, while Blue Sky Riot and Myrniong Magic jostled for a spot behind the leader.
The 25-1 chance, Corleone King, looked like he was going to be able to hang on, but nearing the post, Myrniong Magic surged past for three quarter length win.
Fourth was Vegas Ethics which also qualifies for the final.
Before the win of Myrniong Magic, there had been 12 races across three venues in the Million Dollar Chase, and 11 had been won by favourites, and the other by the second favourite. Wagga emphatically put an end to that run.
Myrniong Magic was one of three runners local trainer Ben Talbot had engaged in the Wagga heats last night, and he improved his record to nine wins from 28 starts.
Kylee Osborne, Blue Sky Riot’s trainer, had the favourite in the second heat, Zipping Olympia. It jumped well settled just behind the leader and then looked on the home turn as if she would charge away for the win.
But having her first look at the track, Zipping Olympia ran up the track in the straight, presenting a run for Lace Monster to charge through and win in 31.11s.
Second went to another of the fancies, and one of Talbot’s, Zipping Buck, with Zipping Olympia third, and King Jeremy finishing fourth, and booking a spot in next week’s final.
The news and the night got worse for Osborne however when stewards issued Zipping Olympia with a ticket for her indiscretions in the straight and as a result she will miss the final. Her spot went to Irinka Hamo who was the fastest of the two fifth pLacegetters.
The box draw for the final to be held next Friday is:
1 - King Jeremy
2 - Blue Sky Riot
3 - Irinka Hamo
4- Vegas Ethics
6- Zipping Buck
7- Lace Monster
10- Cane Toad Bolto
