Aston Zodiac Stars In Gardens MDC Qualifier

ASTON Zodiac is off to Wentworth Park for the TAB Million Dollar Chase semi-finals following her gripping victory in the Ladbrokes Gardens regional qualifier on Saturday night.

Showing her customary brilliant early speed, Aston Zodiac roared across to lead from box seven before staving off the late challenge from the Jason Mackay-trained Aston Lee.

Just a head separated the two Ray Borda-owned chasers on the line in 29.42 with the duo to join third placegetter Seen Around in moving on to the October 9 MDC semi-finals at Wentworth Park.

"She absolutely loves it here at The Gardens," beamed Leanne Grimwood.

"When the box draw came out for the final we were hoping for one, two or three. But when she came out so quick from seven I knew we were a chance.

“What can you say, she's just a good little honest bitch – gives you 110% every time she goes around. Just so honest."

Aston Zodiac's victory on Saturday night continued what's been an outstanding 2020 being enjoyed by Geoff and Leanne Grimwood.

Back in January, the Grimwoods secured the first group victory of their training career when Kid Candle was ultra-impressive landing the Group 2 Gosford Gold Cup (515m).

A swag of wins have followed, most of which by Aston Zodiac, which late last month took out the coveted ‘The Macca', the consolation to the Group 2 Black Top at Ladbrokes Gardens.

And all this from a bitch that tips the scales at just 24 kilos.

A daughter of Fernando Bale and Alotta Luck, Aston Zodiac hails from a litter which have won 73 races and over $250,000 in prize money.

Winner at 12 of her 32 starts, she has been in the money at six of her eight Wentworth Park appearances, a record that will hold her in good stead come semi-final night.

""Her chances in the semi-finals will all come down to box draws but she'll give it a red hot crack," Grimwood added.

“She gives her all every start and whatever she does she will have done us proud.”

Aston Lee's second placing on Saturday night hands Jason Mackay a slot in the MDC semi-finals with the hugely talented son of Brett Lee.

Boasting some scorching times beside his name, Aston Lee is more than capable of making his present felt come the pointy end of the series.

Prepared by NSW's premier trainer Jason Mackay, the Hunter Valley conditioner finished third and fourth in last year's decider of the world's richest greyhound race with Get It Gizmo and Flying Bazza.