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).
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.
The Sportsbet Dream Chasers Festival is back!
With over $3.5million in prize money up for grabs, The Meadows and Sandown Park again play host to these blockbuster greyhound events, including the history and prestige of the Group 1 Sportsbet Melbourne Cup, as well as the energy and excitement of the most exhilarating race in greyhound racing, The Phoenix.
Sportsbet Topgun
The Sportsbet Topgun is sensational night of action with three Group 1 races. Watch Australia's best hand-picked greyhounds battle it out for over $500,000 in prizemoney.
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Melbourne Cup Heats
Melbourne Cup Heats night is possibly the best quality night of racing in the world with 8 x heats featuring the best dogs in the country.
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Melbourne Cup
The Sportsbet Melbourne Cup is considered the world's greatest greyhound race, boasting an honour roll that's unrivalled.
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The Phoenix
Not only is The Phoenix the newest, most exciting race in the calendar, it's the richest greyhound race in the world, with a total prize pool of $1.65million and a $1 million winner’s cheque.
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