Explicit has blasted his way into the semi-finals of the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase (LMDC) after a record-breaking performance at Temora on Wednesday.
The Jason Thompson-trained runner clocked a jaw dropping 25.16 effort to lower the previous track record by 0.13 of a second.
“He’s a very fast dog, the track was in great order and the weather conditions were beautiful. I’m sure if She’s A Pearl went around today in her prime, she’d run a similar time so I don’t tend to worry about the records too much but I am rapt with the run,” Thompson said post-race.
“The best thing about it was he didn’t do everything perfect. He only came out fair and had to really bullock his way through from a tricky box. There was a bit of heat on early and after about 20m he was probably fourth.”
“But what he did next is what he does…charges through the middle of them, Chases hard, works to the front and then he finishes powerfully. He’s a very strong dog and it was really pleasing to see him do that.”
Explicit booking his ticket to the October 12 semi-finals in a dream result for the kennel.
“It was important to qualify early so we have plenty of time to do what we need to do leading into the semis,” Thompson added.
“He will probably have one race in Victoria between now and the semi-finals and I plan to trial him at Wentworth Park on a Monday a couple of weeks out from that race. I’ve had everything planned for him for this race for about 10 weeks. Every run has been leading into qualifying today and now we can continue his program to semi-final day.”
“He’s the perfect age, he’s done a bit of travelling, he’s in great form for a race like this, there’s still a long way to go but he’s hopefully going to hit the semis in absolutely perfect condition.”
The Pearcedale-based mentor pushing all his eggs into the Explicit basket in a bid to capture one of the only feature races that has eluded him across a distinguished career.
“We’ve got some nice dogs in the kennel but I’ve more or less decided Explicit will be our only runner in the series,” Thompson announced.
“The only other one I might consider adding to the city qualifiers would be FLYING ZULU. He’s in great form, he’s won seven of his last eight and if he pleases me Saturday night at The Meadows, I’ll consider putting him in the race as well.”
“But Explicit is the main one and if we only have one in the race from here out, he’s a pretty good one to have.”
Behind the winner, the Dennis Barnes-trained Heidi Mcgraw, who broke She’s A Pearl’s mark seven days earlier, finished second in 25.41, while Irinka Daniel for Jack Smith ran third in 25.50 to also qualify for the LDMC semi-finals.
Smith blown away by the nature of Explicit’s victory.
“What else could you think about it…he’s off the planet. I just told [Irinka] Daniel not to bust himself today and just qualify…I’m not sure he knew which way he went,” Smith said in jest.
“But we’re in the semis…we’ll just poke along steady and get him ready for the big one. Me and [Dennis] Barnesy were just having a bit of fun out there today.”
Smith also declaring champion stayer, Palawa King, will be back on track this weekend.
“’The King’ is going over 500m at The Meadows this weekend just to see where he’s at. The Sydney Cup is the next decent staying race but he’s had a couple of little trials at Temora and Cudal and he’s doing great,” Smith added.
Palawa King hasn't raced since July 13 but is on track for a tilt at the Group 2 Sydney Cup
Goulburn will be the next track to host a Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase regional final on Friday, September 6, before Dubbo’s decider will be run on Saturday, September 7.
The semi-finals will be held on Saturday, October 12 at Wentworth Park ,with the final slated for Friday, October 18.
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