Jason Thompson will resist the temptation to trial at Wentworth Park with Million Dollar Chase semi-finalists He’s A Pearl and Consigliere, confident his pair already know the Sydney circuit well enough.
The Thompson-trained duo secured their places in the semi-finals through Sunday night’s Temora Regional Final, with He’s A Pearl taking the honours ahead of fellow Victorian Promote Tilly for Korie-Lee Heinrich and kennelmate Consigliere.
Speaking with Gareth Hall on SEN Track’s The Weekly Chase, Thompson said both greyhounds would now remain at home and be kept fresh ahead of the semi-finals.
“They’ve got great Wenty form. We don’t have to go and trial them,” Thompson said.
“They’ve probably had more races at Wentworth Park than anywhere else.”
“We’re pleased they’ve both qualified. We can keep them at home, tick them over and keep them fresh for the semis.”
It is a formula Thompson has used in previous Million Dollar Chase campaigns, having previously tackled the series with Plaintiff and Explicit.
“The way we plan this series out is that we try and qualify the main one, if not two, there,” he said.
“Then you have plenty of time to trial them up there if you need to, or in their cases they’ll just stay at home, tick over at home and go straight to the semis.”
While Thompson rates Consigliere as a “terrific race dog”, he believes He’s A Pearl is particularly well suited to Wentworth Park.
He’s A Pearl was among the leading chances for the Golden Easter Egg earlier this year and has produced some impressive performances around the circuit.
“He’s A Pearl is the better dog at Wentworth Park,” Thompson said.
“I’ve got a very good opinion of the dog. He has been faster in his wins there at Wenty and I think with the preparation that he is going to have, I’m hoping that he is nice and sharp when he gets there and can start to show his early speed.”
Thompson had initially taken three greyhounds to Temora, but Dramatical finished last in the Regional Final after winning his heat the previous week.
“Dramatical pulled up a bit average after Sunday night,” Thompson said.
“We don’t know how long he will be off.”
For Thompson, however, the Million Dollar Chase equation remains simple.
“You only need one.”
