We’re officially one step closer to the world’s richest greyhound race – The Phoenix.
This morning’s box draw took place live on Sky Racing, with slot holders selecting their starting positions on the water at South Wharf.
With eight contenders and $1.65 million on the line, every draw mattered.
Slick Splits was the first greyhound selected, with Team Dailly and slot holders Sporting Legends eagerly claiming the inside draw.
“It was a really impressive trial with the slot holders there watching – I didn’t expect it,” Korie Heinrich said.
The Topgun winner will have a final trial on Monday.
New South Wales powerhouse Cumbria Jack landed in box two, selected by Josh Formosa.
“The dog just needs a rug on his back – it doesn’t matter what colour it is… His preparation is pretty much done and hopefully he comes out running,” Josh Formosa said.
Jess Hopkins opted for box three for Melbourne Cup champion Canya Mayhem and slot holders Total Container Solutions.
“The plan changed a bit when Slick Splits got the red – hopefully we can beat Cumbria Jack out. He has pulled up super, and he couldn’t be fitter,” Jess Hopkins
The lightly raced youngster Distinction, having just her sixth start, drew box four for Awesome Lodge.
“It’s the X factor about her. She is pretty full of herself, so I don’t think the crowd will bother her – if anything she’ll puff her chest out. She trialled last week over 500 metres and Jason is wrapped with where she’s at,” Seona Thompson said.
Team Whelan selected box five for Eriza Sparkles and RAM Racing.
“Steve thinks she is better from the odd draw,” Harley Whelan said.
The final dog drawn, Deadly Avenger, will jump from box six for David Bourke Constructions.
South Australian star Mallee Beauty drew box seven for slot holders TAB as she attempts to become the first SA-trained greyhound to win a Phoenix.
Hume Cup winner Accredited, and slot holders Sportsbet selected box eight.
“He handles a wide draw. His 5.18 early sectional in a trial wasn’t great, but hopefully he’s got that out of the way and goes back to his 5.00s in The Phoenix,” trainer Ned McDonald said.
