Flying Ricciardo Firms In MDC Betting

FLYING Ricciardo has firmed to a $10 fourth favourite for the TAB Million Dollar Chase with a stunning victory in the Bathurst regional final on Monday afternoon.

Tackling the regional qualifier as a piping hot favourite, it was expected the sensational youngster would make light work of his opposition and proceed comfortably through to the semi-finals on October 9.

But when you're not two until December and only had 13 starts things aren't meant to come so easy – especially from a tricky box eight draw which has found out more than its share of good ones over the years at Bathurst.

And whilst the tricky draw did have owner-trainer Kristy Sultana concerned, any serious worries were quickly washed away with a dynamite start seeing the son of Barcia Bale clearly in front heading through the first turn.

And from there it was simply a procession, Flying Ricciardo defeating a gallant runner-up Hartley Entry comfortably in 29.58, the same time he recorded winning his heat last week in emphatic fashion.

Finishing third and also qualifying for the semi-finals was Zipping Truvy, getting to the line with gusto and confirming she's returned in outstanding fashion for Rob Tyler.

Flying Ricciardo's stunning Bathurst win on Monday was career win 12 from 14 starts.

His two defeats resulting in seconds and both those seconds were by less than a length.

When he has been beaten he's gone down trying.

With a little over three weeks until the semi-finals of the Million Dollar Chase, there's plenty of water to go under the bridge between now and the big dance.

Preparation will be key.

Flying Ricciardo's safe passage through to the semi-finals is another piece to the MDC puzzle with another week of regional finals set to determine the bulk of the semi-finalists.

$8 favourite Simon Told Helen booked his ticket with an indifferent Temora win on Saturday night while Ritza Coen and Tommy Shelby sit on the next line at $9, earning semi-final spots from their respective National Sprint wins last month.

At Bulli on Tuesday night, Shima Shine, currently $12 for the series, steps out to get his MDC assault underway, as does Good Odds Harada, $26 in betting, for Frank Hurst.

Last year, Good Odds Harada defeated a wet behind the ears Shima Shine in the Million Dollar Chase Final, the pair launching their 2020 campaigns at the same program on Tuesday night.