Victorian's Make Million Dollar Impression

THE might and force of the Victorian sprinting ranks was on full display at Wentworth Park on Saturday night as the metropolitan qualifiers of the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase (520m) got underway on a thrilling program of racing.

With the countdown on to the $1 million to-the-winner final, now just under a month away, five heats were run and won on the 10-event card, with Victorian-trained sprinters claiming each of the five qualifiers in sizzling times.

With regular track-goers suggesting the track is now playing 2-3 tenths faster than before it went down for a series of upgrades five weeks ago, fast times were the order of the night, the time-standard set by Robert Britton's Benali, recording a mind-boggling 29.29 for the 520m.

Better known more recently for his deeds as a stayer, Benali (Barcia Bale x Born Ali) was in rare sprinting form as he made light work of box six, posting the incredible time to score by 9 ¼ lengths –his 19^th career victory from just 43 starts.

In what was another red-letter night for Robert Britton, who began his assault on the $1 million to-the-winner series in the best possible fashion, Not Available was also successful in his qualifier, edging out fellow Victorian Dyna Patty in the fifth and final heat in 29.59.

And whilst Britton's training heroics at the meeting were something to behold, the limelight was taken by top young Victorian conditioner Correy Grenfell, landing a winning treble, with Dyna Chancer, Dyna Terror and Orson Bale each victorious in their respective Million Dollar Chase qualifiers.

The 24 year old's night kicked off in the first heat – race four – when Dyna Chancer made full use of box one to power home for a 29.82 victory, before in the following event, Orson Allen staved off a late bid by Miss Splendamiro to record an outstanding 29.43 win.

Grenfell's already great night improved even further in race seven – perhaps unexpectedly – when second reserve Dyna Terror led all-the-way at big odds in 30.01, defeating Rockstar Toovey and Dyna Oscar for Andrea Dailly.

First, second and third from each of the five qualifiers on Saturday night progress through to the semi-final stage on Friday, October 12 – with Victorian-trained gallopers claiming 11 of the 15 spots that were on the offing at the weekend.