Snug All The Rage For Lismore MDC Qualifier

TRAINER Darren Russell's Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase aspirations begins in earnest at Lismore on Tuesday night in what may very well turn out to be a big 48 hours for the Innisplain conditioner.

Set to line-up fastest qualifier Snug for the Lismore Regional qualifier on Tuesday, Russell's attention will then quickly turn to Maitland this Thursday where he will also rug up that series' fastest qualifier Precious Sal, an outstanding 24.82 heat winner, along with Yeah Okay, runner-up in his run-off to Flying Ella.

Enjoying immense success from his Queensland base in recent years, Lismore has also proven to be a happy hunting ground for Russell in his frequent hops across the border, with that success headed by grand galloper Tripum's victory in the 2016 Group 2 Lismore Cup.

And come Tuesday night, Snug – an impressive 30.04 heat winner last week at Lismore – will be looking to only add to that recent run of success, with the daughter of Fabregas installed a warm $1.90 favourite for the $5,000 to-the-winner finale after coming up with the prized rails alley.

And whilst everything points towards Snug progressing through to the Million Dollar Chase semi-finals at Wentworth Park on Friday October 12 – with first and second proceeding on to the second round of the $1 million to-the-winner series – a host of talented gallopers are set to take their place in Tuesday's final and keep the favourite honest.

That opposition is led by Ken Staines' top flight galloper Raven Izmir, the daughter of El Grand Senor landing a 20^th career victory when claiming her heat last Tuesday in a brisk 30.18.

Set to exit box six for Tuesday's final, Raven Izmir boasts an outstanding Lismore record, with eight wins from the 12 outings, including a sizzling personal best time of 29.87.

Other key chances in the final – race seven on Tuesday night's program – include Peter Simpson's Barcia Bale duo, Final Chalice and Jonesy, both chasers hugely talented with sensational Lismore records behind them.