News
11 June, 2026
The ‘Experts’ Phoenix Draft – Six Months Out
The countdown to the sixth running of The Phoenix is underway.
We have enlisted eight of the leading greyhound racing experts to select their (hypothetical) runner for the world’s richest race, but with a twist – they have to select their choice now, six months out.
The ‘Experts’ draft works much like a fantasy sports draft with each selector given their opportunity to select a greyhound they think gives them the best opportunity to win the race on December 12. Once a dog has been selected, that greyhound is off limits for selection for the rest of the draft.
Last year saw George Farrugia nail his selection six months out with Deadly Avenger at $21 taking out the 2025 edition of the world’s richest greyhound race! Can he retain the title? or will another ‘expert’ steal the crown?
MEET THE ‘EXPERTS’
Jason Adams – GRV, RSN & Sky Racing Media Guru
Ethan Christian – Sandown GRC
Mitch Ebeyer – Sportsbet & SEN Track Greyhound Expert
George Farrugia – RSN Greyhound Expert & Prominent Breeder
Daniel Hibberd – Racecaller & Mr. Nathalia 2024
Nathan Rooney – Sky Racing Analyst & Greyhound Trainer
Corey Smith – MGRA Racing + Media & SEN Track
James Van de Maat – Racecaller & Greyhound Trainer
THE DRAFT
The banjo was dusted off, the random draw conducted and now it’s up to the ‘experts’ to make their decisions.
Will they select a Wow She’s Fast type who hadn’t even had a race start six months out from her first victory in The Phoenix? Or will they select one of the biggest names in the sport currently? Let’s find out.
“Could easily go the freak that is Dewana Star but where is the fun in that? The Dewan’s are flying and despite having only had three starts, Matt is confident this girl will be stronger, and she’s already shown some brilliance to date. She could have the world at her paws this girl”
Her blistering 24.76 win at Warrnambool (two lengths outside the track record) at just her second start showed what she is capable of.
Sportsbet Odds: $11
“It isn’t often that a greyhound trainer of the calibre of Anthony Azzopardi comes out and says that this dog ‘could be (his) best ever’ after three starts, but he has. Another six months of preparation added to the freakish times set in multiple states already – he’s a big chance of being there come December”.
24.89 on debut at Ballarat, then breaking 25 at Q1 after a three-month layoff, this bloke could be anything.
Sportsbet Odds: $11
“Flying Queensland product who has an impeccable record already (23 starts: 15-5-1) and at just over two years old he will be cherry ripe come December 12. Armed with blistering early speed and mid race pace, I believe he is the perfect dog especially if he draws low”.
Trained by the hall of famer Tony Zammit, Queensland’s representatives have punched above their weight in previous editions of The Phoenix.
Sportsbet Odds: $34
“An embarrassment of riches for me to pick from at Pick 4. Dewana Star, Dramatical, Canya Mayhem & Liddell were prominent in my thoughts, but Off The Chart’s ability to break their hearts down the back and proven ability in the big races is impossible for me to look past”
Kennelled in one of the most in-form kennels in Australia – Team Presutto – Off The Chart has won a G1 Golden Easter Egg, the G2 Ballarat & Shepparton Cups and won’t even be 3 until after The Phoenix.
Sportsbet Odds: $8
“How is he still on the table? Do I need to provide an explanation, or can you just post the replay of the Harrison-Dawson?”
Dewana Star has taken out the G1 Harrison-Dawson, G2 Warrnambool Cup and was 2nd in the G1 Silver Chief at this track and trip.
Sportsbet Odds: $7
“It’s only fair with Lynette and Star already picked, Dewana Family joins the family for The Phoenix. An electric maiden winner at Bendigo with sectionals quick enough to compete in a Phoenix. He’s still a bit green and still has plenty to learn but the engine is there and six months is a long time in racing!”
The littermate to Dewana Lynette has untapped ability with just the one win from four career starts, but it was a flying 27.65 Bendigo performance – the seventh fastest time ever over the 500m journey.
Sportsbet Odds: $11
“He has 5 wins from just 8 starts, but it’s the devastating fashion he has been able to do win in that impresses me most. Best of the Night at Shepparton on a card that included Dewana Star, Meadows wins include 29.66 & 29.78 performances and he’s broken 5 seconds to the first split too.”
Another youngster with untapped potential comes off the board. The Noel Massina-trained emerging star looked to be destined for longer distances after his first few starts but is beginning much better as his career develops.
Sportsbet Odds: $11
“Already one of the most powerful sprinters in the country, come December you wouldn’t think he would be going worse. With his racing habits there’s risk attached for sure, but with a slice of luck at the box draw he would be the most feared finalist”
Jason Thompson knows what it takes to find a Phoenix winner, could the G1 Australian Cup champ add a third world’s richest race trophy to his mantelpiece?
Sportsbet Odds: $8
*all odds are accurate as of Thursday 11 June at 3pm*
HOW ABOUT THE RESERVE POOL?
Once again, this year we will see the Phoenix reserves selected out of the pool of nominated greyhounds. Nominations are open to any (non-maiden) greyhounds that wish to be taken into consideration.
Some of the notable names not selected by our ‘experts’ include Canya Mayhem, Cumbria Jack, Distinction, Gold Force, Traumatise, Slick Splits, Canya Excite Me & Liddell among others… what a consolation that would be!
2024 saw multiple G1 winner Tim Zoo (1) take on kennel mate, Field Day (3), in a match race for the ages.
Deadly Avenger (6) takes out the 2025 edition of the world’s richest greyhound race for David Bourke Constructions.
