Flash On By has scored the biggest victory of his career after taking out the regional final of the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase at Temora.
The Jack Smith-prepared runner defying a large betting drift to salute by a clean length in 25.99, with placegetters Lone Shark and Wincey Bale also qualifying for the series semi-finals on October 10.
“The Million bucks is ours mate, I can start spending already,” a jovial and joking Smith said after the win.
“He's won a heat and we'll take it, but in all seriousness, I can't see myself holding up the trophy. He's no superstar...but gee you'd love a kennel full of them. He just gives his best every time and even though he's got no knockout punch as such, he's just a tradesman."
Flash On By improving his record to 34 starts for 12 wins and 11 minors with his latest win coming over an unpreferred 457m distance.
Flash On By is a litter brother to former Group 1 runner-up Flash Boom Bang
"He's a middle distance dog to be honest and he showed that in his win at The Meadows over 600m a few starts back," Smith added.
"Then we put him in the NSW Distance Championship [over 720m] before giving him a freshen up for today. We'll take the cheque and he's still a fifth grader at Wenty Park on a Saturday night, so we'll try and pick off a race or two with him there before the semis."
Smith also eyeing off the series with impressive youngster Magpie Hector and kennelmate Talk About Class.
"Magpie Hector won by 12 lengths on Saturday night at Dubbo over the middle-distance...he might have a go at the MDC but we're hopeful he can stay. And Talk About Class has had a few injury niggles but we're trying to get him ready for the city qualifiers," Smith added.
"All three I've spoken about are Feral Franky's and straws are still available for $3,300...we're hopeful Sooty Keeping [another Feral Franky progeny] can get up on Saturday at The Nationals as well to make him look even better."
The 2025 Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase next heads to Wagga Wagga and Richmond on Friday night.
At Wagga, the Group 3 Bidgee Cup will double as the regional final with fastest heat qualifier Champlain boxed to perfection and looming as the hardest to beat.
