Sawyers Gully trainer Darryl Thomas scored his second Million Dollar Chase regional final victory when Whitfield claimed the Maitland (450m) decider on Monday night to join litter brother Xerri in the semi-finals.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Whitfield, an impressive second to Fire Legend in the heats after a tough run from box five, drew one for the final and was a $2.50 favourite. He started well and was headed only by the Peter Tobin-trained Hudson Bolt before taking over on the bend and powering to a 3.75-length win in 25.02 seconds.
Mark Moroney-trained Fire Legend, which had box two, was second to also qualify for semi-finals at Wentworth Park on October 9. Ebby Infrared was third to be the last though to semis from the regional finals.
Xerri claimed the Gunnedah final to progress to the semi-finals.
Earlier on Monday, the Thomas-trained Fernando Hunter, owned by jockey Brenton Avdulla, won on debut by almost nine lengths in a sharp 24.95 for the 450m.
Also, the James Porter-trained Finefeuiaki won in a photo finish for a fourth consecutive victory at the track.
Craig Kerry
Craig Kerry is a sports reporter for the Newcastle Herald.
Craig Kerry is a sports reporter for the Newcastle Herald.
