Orchestrate “Touch And Go” For MDC Tilt

QUEENSLAND'S Group 1 star Orchestrate is “touch and go” about making the Million Dollar Chase series at Wentworth Park in September.

Breeder and part-owner Tom Kinnear said a few niggling injuries had put the classy son of Barcia Bale out of action.

“I'm expecting him to start galloping up the straight this week,” said Tom.

Orchestrate pulled up with slight soreness in a wrist after finishing second to Good Odds Cash in the State Of Origin at Albion Park on July 14.

It followed his spectacular Group 1 Brisbane Cup win in 29.65 the previous week.

Trainer, Tony Brett, got Orchestrate over the wrist soreness only to have him strain a hip while galloping up the straight.

A simply faultless from the Tony Brett prepared Orchestrate to win the 2022 $525,000 @SkyRacingAU Brisbane Cup over kennelmate Just A Sort and Victorian star Photo Man!#QLDisRacing@RaceQLD @tabcomau @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch @SEN_track @GRV_News @MMcInallyPhotos pic.twitter.com/IEDOPHjKTO

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) July 7, 2022

“He's a dog who puts in every single time he does something,” said Tom.

“The hip problem is an old one he had early in his career.”

Orchestrate, winner of 22 of his 42 starts for stakes of $550,000, will start galloping this week.

“Tony and his family have been in Bali on holiday,” said Tom. “He will have five weeks to get him right for the Million Dollar Chase.

“I could envisage him having a box to box at Wentworth Park and then run in a city qualifier on September 10 to try to qualify for the semi-finals.

“But, you must remember he is a dog who goes very, very well first-up.

“He has won in 29.62 first-up at Albion Park.”

But Kinnear is aware Brett will be cautious about rushing the dog back.

“Tony has always had the dog's best interests first and foremost,” he said.

“If he's not going to be at his top for the Million Dollar Chase, then that will be it.

“There are big races like the Melbourne Cup, The Phoenix and the Topgun all coming up later in the year.”