It wasn't long ago that retirement had been considered for speedster Bedazzled Babe after a string of minor injuries threatened to end her burgeoning career.
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Now, the former 272m track record-holder shapes as a top chance in The Gardens' 515m regional final of the Million Dollar Chase this Saturday night.
In her first race over 515m, Bedazzled Babe claimed heat two of three on Saturday night, leading from box seven and winning by 1.75 lengths in 29.48 seconds.
Bellbird trainer Brett Moore was then thrilled when she gained the coveted box one draw for the final, where the top three progress to semi-finals at Wentworth Park next month.
"It's a good draw," Moore said. "It's an added bonus. There's obviously a fair bit of speed in the race, but if she can hold the inside it's going to help her cause a hell of a lot."
The heat win was a 12th in 22 starts for the Fabregas-Bedazzled Bead bitch, which broke the 272m record at The Gardens at her third start.
Adding to her fairy tale rise, she was the first dog Moore had trained. However, her career since has been hindered by injuries.
"We thought about retirement with her, just because she'd had so many niggling injuries," he said. "But she's had so few starts, it would have been a shame.
"We thought all those little injuries might have been blessing, to get her where she is now. She's a bit more mature and she has been looking for a bit longer."
Moore said the injuries, including dislocated toes, fibula problems and torn pads, had made it hard to get Bedazzled Babe hit. However, he had been quietly confident of her running out the 515m trip after strong trials.
"It was a bit of an unknown really," he said. "We trialed her post to post but they've still got to do it on race night.
"We thought in the back of our minds that she would be strong to the line but it was pleasing to actually see her do it on the night. She's reasonably fit but she'll take massive benefit from that run, being her first full 515. That should really top her off for next week strength-wise.
"It's a thrill. Just to make the semi-finals at Wentworth Park, that would be an achievement in itself, especially for this dog. She's quite underrated and doesn't get the credit she deserves."
Brandy Hill trainer Mark Davidson's Zipping Vernon was second to also qualify. Richmond Vale trainer Jason Mackay has two in the final after Aston Lee, which was third to Bedazzled Babe, got through on times. Nev's Gift was second in heat three.
Sydney trainer Barry Gibbons' Galaxy Banner fought back to win heat one in 29.51. Mercator Belle, for Carole Eaton, was second. Martins Creek trainer Geoff Grimwood's Aston Zodiac was also through as one of two fastest thirds.
The fastest qualifier was Seen Around, for Hexham trainer Robert Vines, which led all the way in heat three to clock 29.37.
Final: 1 Bedazzled Babe, 2 Aston Lee, 3 Nev's Gift, 4 Seen Around, 5 Galaxy Banner, 6 Mercator Belle, 7 Aston Zodiac, 8 Zipping Vernon. Res: 9 Cursed, 10 King Zesta.
