Finishing third never felt so good for Shannon Ellis.
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Multiple group one winner Simon Told Helen proved too good in the Million Dollar Chase Regional Qualifier at Temora on Saturday night however Keenando also booked his place in the semi-finals.
The Oura trainer was thrilled to progress to the next stage at Wentworth Park.
"I was happy with third. I'll take that and run," Ellis said.
"I was happy with the dog as he did get in a little bother early as around near the 300 it looked like he come down on his nose a little bit so to pick himself back up and make the top three was a pretty good effort."
Rivergum Road finished second for Hunter trainer Patrick Parelli to also qualify for the semi-finals on October 9.
Ellis' other runner Maximum Refusal just missed out on a spot after finishing fourth.
However he will get another shot with Wagga's heats on the series to be run on Thursday.
"I think Max is more of a stayer as he got out good and it was just his second section," Ellis said.
"He has always had a slow second section and that is when the other dogs went past him but when you look at the run he sorta stuck on with them at the end.
"When good dogs get away from you in that second section when they are running time up front it is hard to make ground. I was still happy with his run and think he is going to be more of a 600 metre dog down the track."
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