Kelsey Bale’s thrilling victory in Million Dollar Chase Regional Final at Wagga
Kelsey Bale executed another remarkable come-from-behind performance to run down the leader to take out the Million Dollar Chase Regional Final at Wagga on Friday night.
The Daniel Gibbons-trained star lined up in the 525m final as a +340 bookmaker prospect against a +110 race favourite in the Lisa Cockerell-trained Hector Fawley.
At box rise, Hector Fawley got out to lead before being passed by Dundee Smokey (+600) and Kelsey Bale, who moved up to sit in second as they approached the final turn.
As they rounded the final corner, Kelsey Bale surged forward with her trademark finishing sprint, sealing another victory.
She beat home Dundee Smokey and Hector Fawley by three-and-three-quarter lengths in 29.90.
2023 Wagga Million Dollar Chase Regional Final – Kelsey Bale (29.90) T: Daniel Gibbons
Her winning time of 29.90 marked an improvement over her previous record of 30.08 on this track and distance.
Trainer Daniel Gibbons was effusive about Kelsey Bale's performance, stating that it showcased her true potential.
“There's the Kelsey we all know,” he said.
“She's just racing with confidence again, with the same spring in her step as when she won the back-to-back Cups.
“She wasn't letting anyone beat her tonight.”
Last time out, on September 15, she took out her MDC heat, beating home Dundee Smokey by three quarters of a length with a similar run-down effort.
Gibbons said it was becoming a trademark of his chaser, but she showed her ability when needed.
“She just does so well when she is in that second or third position,” he said.
“With clear air, I truly believe she could run 99 percent of dogs down.
“I admit I was worried when I saw Hector jump, but her acceleration just then was stupid.”
Kelsey Bale will now progress to the MDC semi-finals on October 6 and beyond that to the $1,000,000 to-the-winner Million Dollar Chase final on October 13.
Gibbons acknowledges the tough road ahead but remains confident that Kelsey Bale is more than up for the challenge.
“She is going great, and I think her confidence is high, and that's the important part,” he said.
“The semis are going to be very hard, and it will take her very best.
“One thing is guaranteed: she will give it everything.”
2023 Wagga Million Dollar Chase Region Final Results
2023 Wagga Million Dollar Chase Regional Final ResultsWagga520mNon Graded$7,000 to-the-winnerFriday, September 22 2023TBC
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| 1st |
8 Kelsey Bale
T: Daniel Gibbons
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| 2nd |
3 Dundee Smokey
T: Geoffrey Scott-Smith
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| 3rd |
1 Hector Fawley
T: Lisa Cockerell
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| 4th |
7 Triggerlong Rawley
T: Helen Finn
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| 5th |
2 Cartwright Queen
T: Scott Parry
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| 6th |
4 Rampani
T: Peter Sims
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| 7th |
5 Dundee Rebel
T: Geoffrey Scott-Smith
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| 8th |
6 Scorching Boy
T: Jess Fothergill
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