Final tune-up for Phoenix contenders

Queenslander Jay Is Jay and Victorian young gun Schillaci took to The Meadows on a wet Monday afternoon to top off preparations five days out from Saturday night’s $1.65 million The Phoenix (525m).

Jay is Jay, runner-up in the Sportsbet Topgun, trialled post-to-post in 24.74 seconds (split 12.76; run-home 11.98).

“Not knowing the (post-to-post) times real well, I’m assuming it was a good trial. I don’t know if it was sensational but I’m happy with it all the same,” said co-trainer Michael Zammit.

GRV’s Jason Adams described the trial as a “pass” by Jay Is Jay’s lofty standards.

Jay Is Jay will exit Box 8 on Saturday for slot holder Racing Queensland, the same draw he had when runner-up in last month’s Sportsbet Topgun (525m) at The Meadows.

If he wins The Phoenix, Jay Is Jay will become only the second greyhound in history to earn $2 million in prizemoney.

He is rated a $14 chance.

Meanwhile, Schillaci trialled box-to-box, clocking a 5.15 to the first section and 17.71 down the back straight.

Trainer Jihad Talgi said he was happy with the gallop considering the wet conditions, and suggested the yellow box was a reasonable draw for his young charge.

“He’s probably not too badly drawn,” Talgi said. “The four (Postman Pat) likes to cut in. Schillaci won’t cut in… he’ll stay straight… hopefully he can put a bit of a margin on them and who knows?”

Schillaci is the rank outsider of the field at $31.