Darriman-based trainer William McMahon is ‘daring to dream’ of a Group 3 Great Chase three-peat.
McMahon won the event – which has supported the disability sector since 2003 – with Dr. Tucker (2020) and Ridge (2021).
His ‘great white hope’ in this year’s series is Garrett (Box 4), which will contest a semi-final (525m) at The Meadows on Wednesday.
A win – or even finishing as one of two fastest second placegetters – would secure Garrett (Jan ’20 Walk Hard x Blue Surfonic) a spot in the $47,000 to-the-winner final on October 19.
Garrett, a winner of five races (with four seconds and one third) from 23 starts, progressed to the semi-finals courtesy of a second placing in a heat at Traralgon on September 30.
He hit a purple patch from August 17 to September 9, winning four successive races – all at Traralgon.
But he faces a tough assignment as a $10 chance in Semi-final 2 (Race 6, 1.09pm), which is headed by Madigan ($2.40) and Solace ($3.40).
However, a ‘family bonus’ would be if his daughter (Kimberley) qualifies for the final with Dr. Renzo (Box 8) which contests Semi-final 4 (Race 8, 1.52pm).
WATCH: DR. TUCKER (B5) staves off EARN THE ANSWERS (B6) in the 2020 Great Chase final.
Dr. Renzo – a litter brother of Garrett – has won five races (with six seconds and seven thirds) from 50 starts. He’s quoted at $51, behind Collinda Chips ($2.60) and Cardigan Girl ($4.40).
He progressed to the semi-finals after finishing second in a heat at Sale on October 2.
Here are the fixed odds favourites for the other semi-finals: Semi-final 1 (Race 5, 12.53pm) – Incineration ($3.40); Semi-final 3 (Race 7, 1.27pm) – All Spritzed Up ($2.40); Semi-final 5 (Race 9, 2.13pm) – Commander Tommy ($2.30); Semi-final 6 (Race 10, 2.37pm) – Elite Alex ($3.40).
WATCH: RIDGE (B7) overhauls HAMILLSON (B2), with HUSHING DUSK (B3 flashing home, in last year’s Great Chase final.
