Melbourne Cup winning trainer Jess Hopkins is capping off a year most in the sport only dream about.

Twelve months ago, Hopkins announced herself on the national stage with her first Group 1 victory at The Meadows, when staying star Canya All Class stormed to Topgun Stayers glory.

Last month, she climbed an even bigger peak – winning the Sportsbet Melbourne Cup, greyhound racing’s most prestigious race, with the electrifying Canya Mayhem.

Now the 34-year-old trainer has the chance to elevate her extraordinary breakout season even further.

Hopkins and Canya Mayhem are aiming for the Melbourne Cup–Phoenix double, a feat achieved by just one greyhound – last year’s megastar Explicit.

Fittingly, Explicit and Canya Mayhem are linked by more than ambition. They also share the same sire, Bernardo.

Jess Hopkins and Canya Mayhem win the Sportsbet Melbourne Cup. Catch all of the action, LIVE on racing.com. 

After Canya Mayhem’s eye-catching Melbourne Cup performance, Phoenix slot holders Total Container Solution wasted no time locking in the powerhouse chaser.

“We loved how he went about his Melbourne Cup win and have since learnt that he practically knows every grain of sand at The Meadows through trials,” TCS representative Jarrod Sharp said.

During Sunday’s box draw, Hopkins selected box three.

“Hopefully we can beat Cumbria Jack out – running five-dead again to get to the lead,” Hopkins said.

“I was told the Friday night before the Melbourne Cup that you’re racing for $1.5 million because if you win, you’re pretty much in The Phoenix.”

Canya Mayhem is currently $6 to win the world’s richest greyhound race. If he delivers on Saturday night, Hopkins would become the youngest trainer to ever win The Phoenix.

For Hopkins, who trains a boutique team of just five dogs from her Junction Village base, the magnitude of the moment is not lost.

“The Phoenix has become a race that has elevated greyhound racing,” she said.

“In previous years, it was always fun to take part in the conversations about the dogs and the slot holders. Now my dog is in that conversation, and I couldn’t be more excited.”

From a first Group 1 to a Melbourne Cup to a live shot at The Phoenix, Hopkins’ rise has been nothing short of remarkable.