Semi-Final Spots Running Out

Nine more names have been added to the semi-final list of the 2024 Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase (LMDC) after a bumper four days of chasing action.

On Thursday, Seven Sinners claimed the Casino regional final for Col Graham to book her ticket to Wentworth Park on October 12.

The son of Fernando Bale x Inspired Hope nosing out Kooringa Rafael, with Backcreek Benny running third in a race full of good chances.

The full sister to 2023 semi-finalist Magistrate flew out of the boxes to dispute the early lead but eventually settled in second spot. 

But when longtime leader Kooringa Rafael drifted off the rail in the later stages of the race, Seven Sinners punched her way through to claim a half-length victory in 27.54. The time a new track and trip PB for the 24-time winner.

At Richmond on Friday night, Player One produced an upset to claim a regional final from talented types Binalong Time and Mr. Peregrine.

The Londonderry-based runner saluting at a $26 quote to hand Tess Simmons her maiden LMDC semi-finalist.

“It’s fantastic, couldn’t be happier. She’s normally not the best beginner but for her, that was pretty good,” an excited Simmons said.

“She just needs to draw an inside box and begin a bit better, and she should be in with a chance.”

Owner Bryce Ellis stating he "couldn't be prouder" of the winner who he also backed at a big price.

"Usually, she flops out last so when she jumped, I knew we were going to be in for a good race today. Box 3 is her box so when the box draw came out last week, we were happy with that," Ellis said.

"Me and my wife own her, and my two kids, they're at home sick unfortunately but they would have been out here, they'll probably be at home now screaming, crying, they'll be very excited."

While on Sunday at Broken Hill, the premier kennels of Victorian Mark Delbridge and South Australian Clint Trengove both qualified runners for the semi-finals.

YOGEN BALE (Delbridge) fended off spirited efforts from Paua Of Silence (Trengove) and kennelmate LASSARD to claim win number 12.

The runner-up continuing his good form for the Trengove camp after missing the prime of racing career due to injury.

“My mate bought him a fair while ago but he hurt a hockey and missed seven months and most of his three year old season,” Trengove said.

“He turned four in July so he’ll go against younger dogs in the semis but he’s still got a motor and we’re just happy to be involved in a series worth a million dollars.”

Trengove, who had Teddy The Bear in the 2022 semi-finals, not without hope for his charge.

“Apparently he was schooled at Wentworth Park so the track might not be foreign to him when we get there. It’s not quite Steven Bradbury areas for him but if he draws Box 1 or 2 and the rest of the field cops interference, he might be a chance of getting through.” 

Bulli will host its regional final of the series on Tuesday with a bumper lineup nominated including Zipping Megatron, Power And Glory and History’s Coming.

The semi-finals of the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase will be held on October 12 at Wentworth Park, with the final set for October 18. Tickets are on sale Chase/tickets-hospitality">NOW.