Scene Set For A Thrilling Million Dollar Chase Finale

FRIDAY night's eight semi-finals of the TAB Million Dollar Chase promised a lot - they delivered even more on a fabulous card of racing.

FRIDAY night's eight semi-finals of the TAB Million Dollar Chase promised a lot.

They delivered even more.

Wentworth Park was the scene for a sensational card of racing on Friday night where 64 Million Dollar Chase hopefuls were whittled down to eight, set to vie for next week's lucrative $1 million first prize.

The opening semi-final was won by the Jason Thompson-trained Black Opium in a flying 29.46.

Runner-up in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup, Australian Cup and Brisbane Cup, Black Opium kicked off another memorable night for the all-conquering Thompson kennel, with Hooked On Scotch a remarkable winner of the Group 1 Adelaide Cup later in the evening.

The second Million Dollar Chase semi-final was annexed by Curt Lee for Victorian trainer Glenn Rounds, toughing out a gritty 30.14 success to progress through to the final.

New South Wales were to the fore in semi-three with Good Odds Harada landing the prize for Frank Hurst in a slashing 29.66.

The star son of Collision and Solar Pak was simply breathtaking and will be a force to be reckoned with in the decider.

The fourth semi-final saw the might of Victoria on full display with powerhouse youngster Shima Shine making light work of box eight to score in 29.60 for Andrea Dailly.

The fifth semi-final was all about the Freight Train. The Tracey Scruse owned and trained Pindari Express rounded up his rivals to sweep away for a slick 29.85 success, while semi-six was more joy for New South Wales with Jimmy Casey finishing powerfully to score in 30.02 for Peter Carr.

Semi-final seven set the time-standard for the final with Get It Gizmo posting a scintillating 29.45 for trainer Jason Mackay.

Loaded with ability, the son of Kinloch Brae made it eight wins from 17 starts with Friday night's mesmerising win.

The final chance to qualify saw Jason Mackay qualify a second finalist after Flying Bazza made full use of box one to score in 29.79.

TAB MILLION DOLLAR CHASE box draw: 1. Get It Gizmo 2. Good Odds Harada 3. Flying Bazza 4. Pindari Express 5. Black Opium 6. Shima Shine 7. Jimmy Casey 8. Curt Lee

As well as the staging of eight action-packed Million Dollar Chase semi-finals, three heats of the $100,000 to-the-winner Sydney Cup were also staged for the stayers.

The first heat was taken out in emphatic fashion by the John Finn-trained Blue Moon Rising in 41.65, while heat two saw the boil-over of the year, with Dublin Lad scoring at monster odds for Barry Howell.

Running 42.16, the despised outsider defeated She Will Bloom in a race where champion stayer Tornado Tears was never really in the hunt, robbing the final of its major attraction.

The third and final heat was taken out by WA sensation Boom Down for care-taker trainer Andrea Dailly in 42.07. A revelation since heading across to WA, the son of Magic Sprite and Lochinvar Vogue is one of the major players for next week's final, blessed with a powerful last section.

SYDNEY CUP box draw: 1. Blue Moon Rising 2. She Will Bloom 3. Boom Down 4. Dublin Lad 5. Just Terms 6. Mrs. Emgrand 7. Blazing Cartier 8. Radar Gunn 9. Sweet Fire All 10. Ebby Ripper.

Over $1.5 million in prize money will be splashed out next Friday night at Wentworth Park on a champagne card of racing.

The highlight, the $1 million to-the-winner TAB Million Dollar Chase (520m).

After the last race Aussie rock legends The Hoodoo Gurus will be on stage pumping the night away, capping off what promises to be a memorable night of greyhound racing.

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WHAT'S ON – Wentworth Park, Friday October 18

* TAB Million Dollar Chase Final – $1 million to-the-winner
* Group 1 Sydney Cup Final – $100,0000 to-the-winner
* Masters Meteor Final – $100,000 to-the-winner
* Young Star Classic Final – $25,000 to-the-winner
* TAB Million Dollar Chase consolation – $25,000 to-the-winner
* Regional Reward Final – $15,000 to-the-winner

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