WAGGA owner-trainer John Hartley feared injury may cut short Tennessee Tiger's promising career, but some tender loving care has guided him to another shot at the Million Dollar Chase semis at Wentworth Park on Friday night.
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Hartley trained the three-year-old before sending him to leading trainer Mark Gatt's kennels, but a dropped back muscle suffered in April put his racing hopes in doubt.
After a five month recovery Tennessee Tiger's best result in the first four races upon his return was fourth, before an all-the-way win at Wentworth Park on Saturday gave connections confidence he can find his best.
Tennessee Tiger has drawn box five in his semi final heat and is rated a $7 hope, with David Burnett's Simon Told Helen ($2.15) and Frank Hurst's Good Odds Harada ($3) the market favourites as of Thursday.
The winners of each heat will qualify for the final, with runner-ups to compete in the consolation final.
Tennessee Tiger came home fourth in last year's semis and part owner Hartley said he's simply happy he's progressed this far after his injury battles.
"Last week's run was great to see because when he was injured I had him back home here for three months, let him run around the background and let it heal.
"You've always got that worry (that he might not race again), and wonder how bad the muscle tear is.
"He was lucky he tore it up and down and not across, and he didn't tear the muscle off the bone which gave him a chance.
"It was great to see him run somewhere back to his best.
"I just hope he's turned it around and he runs first or second, so if we're not in the final we're at least in the consolation."
The Riverina is strongly represented in the semis with Peter Sims' two runners in Canya Star and Second Exit, the Mick Finn-owned regional final winner Tiggerlong Tonk, Shannon Ellis pair Keenando and With Confidence and Rod McDonald's Sell More Houses.
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