Charles Riding Crest Of Million Dollar Chase Wave

WA trainer Kody Charles is on a magic carpet ride with his star greyhound Saige Tenniele and is in no hurry to jump off anytime soon. 

On Friday night at Wentworth Park, 36-year-old Charles, who lays claim to the rare feat of training winners in all three-codes of racing back home in WA, will be chasing a berth in the $1 million-to-the-winner Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase (520m) at Wentworth Park.

FIELDS AND FORM WENTWORTH PARK FRIDAY NIGHT

But it's the remarkable backstory of Saige Tenniele which has captured the imagination of the racing public following her surprise victory in the Group 1 National Sprint Championship at The Meadows in August.

Such was the uninspiring start to the daughter of Bernardo's career, Charles tried without success to give Saige Tenniele away for free, after she was educated without the greatest of reports as a youngster when in NSW as a pup.

"The phone never rang so I decided to fly her home to WA with the idea of rehoming her," Charles said. 

"I'd really given up all hope of her making it to the track but I had a litter of pups I was about to start work with so decided to give her another go and try a few things and we haven't looked back.

"Bart Cummings used to have a quote saying patience is the cheapest thing in racing yet the least thing used. 

"It‘s a quote I really live by now when it comes to what I do in racing. And this girl proves it."

With eight cutthroat semi–finals set for decision at Wentworth Park on Friday night, the equation for Charles and Saige Tenniele is simple, win or go home.

But Charles' confidence received a major boost following the box draw, landing box one for her debut Sydney assignment.

"The box draw is perfect, she trialled really well (29.66) and since we've got to NSW she's absolutely thrived," Charles said.

"I'm really confident she'll run a big race and I'm daring to dream. 

"From where we started with her to where we are now just shows you what time and patience can bring.

"And we're only just starting. If anything she's still improving and growing in confidence."

With the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase reaching the pointy end, Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) staged a media launch on Wednesday where industry ambassador Ryan Papenhuyzen was in attendance.

An owner and lover of greyhounds, Papenhuyzen launched the MDC just weeks after suffering a fractured right ankle during the NRL finals following his return from 405 days on the sidelines with a shattered knee.

"I'm looking forward to two big weeks of MDC action at Wentworth Park, " Papenhuyzen said.

"I've been watching a bit of the regional action and the quality is unbelievable.

"One of my first greyhound memories was watching Peter Lagogiane win the race with Mystic Riot in 2018 and charging down the home straight. Hopefully we can see a similar story this year."