Staying Sensation Palawa King To Be Set For MDC

NATIONAL Distance champ, Palawa King, passed his Million Dollar Chase test at Wentworth Park on Wednesday night when a storming 29.67 winner.

Trainer Jack Smith said the son of Feral Franky-Maximum Dos would now be aimed at the Million Dollar Chase series.

“It only comes around once a year so we may as well have a crack at it,” he said.

“He loves the track and there will be plenty of staying races coming up for him in the future.”

Palawa King, having his first start since August 26 when winning the G1 National Distance title at The Meadows, came from well back to down One Hot Bandit by almost four lengths.

PALAWA KING takes the 2023 Group 1 @tabcomau Queensland Cup on the line ????

An amazing effort after being checked back to last early! @BrisGreys @Thedogs_com_au pic.twitter.com/fOPZdC35X8

— RaceQ (@RaceQLD) July 7, 2023

“He did a few things wrong,” admitted Jack.

“But what he does wrong he makes up for with enthusiasm.”

The win took his record to 45 starts for 21 wins and 14 placings with earnings of $534,000.

Jack mapped out his plans.

“Obviously we'll miss the Sydney Cup, and he will have another 520 metre run before the heats of the Million Dollar Chase,” said Jack.

Those Wentworth Park qualifiers will be run on September 30 with the semi-finals on October 6 and the grand final on Friday, October 13.

“Even if he makes the final it will be an honour,” said Jack.

“He's a run on dog and a lot of those who will be against him, if they don't jump and get on the bunny, they can't win.”