Margin For Error Scarce In MDC Square Off

MARGIN for error will be scarce when eight cutthroat city qualifiers of the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase (520m) are run and won at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.

With 52 of the prized 64 semi-final spots already secured, just 12 places now remain, the recipient each of the eight winners and fastest four seconds from Saturday night's star-studded qualifiers.

FIELDS AND FORM WENTWORTH PARK SATURDAY NIGHT

Included among the array of stars looking to secure a last minute berth in the October 6 semi-finals is Queensland star Jay Is Jay, installed a $2.90 favourite to annex qualifier six from box two.

Trainers Mick and Selena Zammit had hoped to qualify the track record breaking son of Sennachie through the recent Grafton regional series but fell agonisingly short of the required top three finish, winding up in fourth.

"It would have been good to lock away a spot at Grafton but things didn't go to plan and we did give some thought about whether to push on at all," Zammit said.

"But Million dollar races don't come around every day so we decided to push on and being realistic if he wasn't competitive in a race like Saturday night he's not likely to go too far in the series.

Here's how the series was won! Jay Is Jay sizzles the Albion Park track to hand Queensland the shield once more ????pic.twitter.com/DsHSJteFK9 https://t.co/cFbpmZpRB2

— TAB (@tabcomau) June 15, 2023

"The main thing on Saturday is that he gets the start right and gives himself a chance. The 500m run will do him good and if we do qualify for the semi-finals he'll be better for it."

Winner at 15 of his 31 starts, Jay Is Jay is no stranger to Wentworth Park, the multiple group winner having trialled brilliantly in the lead up to the Group 1 Golden Easter Egg earlier in the year.

And while little went right on that foray to Sydney, Zammit is hoping for a change of luck this time around.

"He trialled 29.50 on the dot before the Easter Egg but slipped on the matting in the heat," Zammit added.

"Going into Saturday he's happy and good within himself but whenever you're racing away from home it's a bit of a task. I just want to see him come out with them and get into the race."

Jay is Jay is quoted a $15 chance to win the Million Dollar Chase, the shortest priced hopeful yet to qualify for the semi-final stage.