Daring To Dream: Idolize Storms Into MDC Mix

TRAINER Peter Presutto is "daring to dream" after his grand chaser Idolize charged into Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase (MDC) calculations at Nowra on Monday night.

Having just her ninth run back since spending more than six months on the sidelines during which time she became a first time mum, Idolize was simply sensational in the Nowra finale, beginning brilliantly to score by four lengths in a fast 29.63.

"Both myself and (wife) Natalie are just so very proud of her – she is a special little girl," Presutto beamed.

"A few weeks ago I was umming and ahhing about whether to have a crack at the Million Dollar Chase but with the way she was going and the zest she still has for racing there was no reason not to.

The result was never in doubt!

Idolize has romped home in the @Ladbrokescomau #MDC Regional Final at Nowra tonight, clocking 25.63 – and it's Tom Keeping and Enzo Herrera who will join her in the Semis on Oct 6.

Full Results: https://t.co/Hs0xSJkGxu#thedogs @watchdogracing pic.twitter.com/23WaWitWC7

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) September 25, 2023

"Nowra fitted in well for a few reasons and to have now qualified and have some extra time to get her ready going into the semi-finals works in great.

"I'm looking forward to getting her back to Wentworth Park. I wanted to keep her away from there before getting back there on semi-final night."

You can hardly blame Presutto for his desire to return to the famed Glebe circuit with Idolize, the scene of his superstar sprinter's Group 1 National Futurity triumph last year.

In fact, the daughter of My Redeemer has raced at Wentworth Park on five occasions for four spectacular wins, the only blot on the copy book when missing the start behind She's A Pearl in last year's Group 1 Golden Easter Egg Final.

"Knowing she's already got the big race experience at Wentworth Park gives you that added confidence," Presutto added of his group 2 Laurels winner.

"But like all big races, box draws will play a big part but honestly we just feel like whatever happens from here is a bonus.

"When we initially decided to bring her back to racing it wasn't an easy one and we weighed up a lot of things up. It was a big call but when you see her perform like she did last night you do feel vindicated.

"She just loves being at the races and thrives on the competition.

"I'm her trainer, yes, but even more than that I feel like her guardian. She's extremely special to us."

Following Monday night's Nowra romp, Idolize is a $51 chance with Tab.com.au for the Million Dollar Chase Final on October 13.

Joining her in the semi-finals following the Nowra decider is placegetters Tom Keeping and Enzo Herrera.