Peter Lagogiane admits he is still perplexed about the performance of defending champion Mystic Riot in last Friday’s heats of the TAB Million Dollar Chase, but is pressing on regardless with her title defence.
Mystic Riot jumped and led at Richmond but wasn’t herself, ultimately weakening and missing a place in the Regional Final, and the subsequent chance to advance to the semi-finals.
“I usually check my own dogs and I even went to the vet and got the vet to check her. We have done a urine and a blood test, and are waiting on that, but she looks well, she’s fine ... I just don’t know,” Lagogiane said.
“I just couldn’t believe it. I was gutted on Friday. I was speechless. Home track, they both (Knighthood also failed to qualify) jumped well and I thought here we go. But I have no answers.
“She is well, she’s happy, she’s wagging her tail. I’m hoping to slip her up the straight here at home tomorrow if the rain subsides, and go over her again and make sure everything is alright.
“I’m hoping it was just one of those nights at Richmond, and we put it behind us and say we’ll just move on to The Gardens on Saturday.”
Lagogiane admitted he was surprised that there was only enough to draw one heat at The Gardens on Saturday. It means, provided all dogs get around safely, the same eight will line up for the Regional Final the following Saturday.
Group 2 Black Top winner Aston Duke will also line up in the race, along with Lagogiane’s Golden Easter Egg runner-up Federal Lilly.
Federal Lilly hasn’t raced since finishing a length behind Zipping Bailey in the Egg Final, after suffering a back muscle tear then pulling up lame after a trial during her comeback.
“We set her up for this obviously and she is going really good,” Lagogiane said. “We have had a few setbacks along the way and we have taken her to The Gardens twice now to trial.
“The first time I went there I walked away a little bit disappointed but I was there last night and trialled her and walked away smiling and happy. She’s just got to begin and she should be force.”
Federal Lilly has drawn box six and Mystic Riot box 3, not ideal for either dog, but as Lagogiane said, they are into the final the following week as long as they get around in the heat.
“There is going to be a lot of speed in the final with those dogs, so the box draw next week will be crucial. Hopeful we get out luck in the draw next week.”
