FORBES trainer Jack Smith doubled his chances of success in the TAB Million Dollar Chase on Monday evening at Bathurst, when the brother of his other semi-finalist, also booked a berth in the April 29 semis.
Smith qualified the dynamic Miss Ezmae for the Chase semi-finals with her dazzling win at Dubbo last Thursday night, and four nights later her brother, Irinka Riley, took out the Bathurst Regional Final of the series with a come from behind victory.
And while Smith concedes Irinka Riley may not be of the calibre of his sister, or his illustrious kennelmate Jungle Deuce, he just “gets the job done”.
“He’s not Deuce and he’s not as good as Ezmae, but he’s a lot better than a lot of the others I have,” Smith admitted.
“He’s a handy dog - he’s just not a great dog – but he just gets the job done.
“Early on Ezmae always showed she had that something, but I always thought there was a good race in Riley too. But as he got on and started to race it was showing he didn’t have the early speed and while he hits the line ok, he’s not super strong
“His first section lets him down. He has a big motor but the first section with the good dogs, lets him down. But we have had a lot of fun with him, and he’s won almost $80,000.
“And everyone loves him and he has a bit of character about him.”
Race favourite Chase Me Honey was slow to jump and checked soon after and again on the first turn and her chances evaporated at that point. Her kennelmate Analysing was able lead, while Irinka Riley received a check on the first turn himself, but was able to brush it off, steady, and move into third.
Analysing led clearly into the back but Smith’s dog soon set out after the leader, and swinging for home the pair were side by side, before Irinka Riley was able to just produce enough to forge clear for a narrow win in 29.98s. Both Analysing and third placegetter Thirsty Friday also qualified for the Chase semis.
Smith did point out that Irinka Riley has performed well at Wentworth Park previously, with five wins at the track including a best time of 29.66s.
“He split his webbing the last time he was at Wenty but some of his best form has been there,” he said.
“Look (a semi win) is not beyond him .. but, if he draw a hot heat he can’t win.
“But he’s there taking a spot, and we now have two in the semis. We’ll baffle them with numbers,” Smith joked.
