Huge weekend of chasing action
Peter Fenemor • December 12th, 2025 9:42 AM • 4 min read
It’s a huge couple of days of greyhound racing looming with three Gr.1 520m heats at the Hatrick Raceway this evening, followed by the world’s richest greyhound race, The Phoenix, which carries a A$1.65 million stake, in Melbourne tomorrow evening.
The $30,000 Spion Rose is an annual event which has been dominated by the Lisa Cole kennels, who broke through the million-dollar stakes barrier for the current season at the Manawatu Raceway on Tuesday, over recent seasons.
Fear To Tread won the Spion Rose last year (Watch a full race replay) and she commences the defense of her title in the first heat (Race 7).
Brendon Cole informs us about her return to racing. “She is resuming following a season and she has had a 520m trial when preparing for this. She will take improvement from the race.”
Cole is excited about the potential held by promising Pure Precision. “She is a member of a classy litter, who is a bitch huge on potential. She keeps on improving.
“Lockwood Loop is finding it a bit tough at this level of racing,” added Cole.
The 650m/660m staying specialist Johnny Football finished second in this race last year and then he went onto win the Gr. 1 Hatrick Classic also over 520m three months later. He takes his place in the second heat (Race 8).
“He is on the fresh side as we haven’t been able to get any staying races for him lately. Johnny is a year older and a year wiser. His chance will depend on how he starts. Watch for him to finish strongly.
“Criminal Mines has blistering pace, and he certainly can make his presence felt in this field.
“Big Time Zip’s form isn’t there at the moment after a season. All Over Rover is a smart dog, although he’s likely to cut in hard left from the traps,” added Cole.
The third Spion Rose heat (Race 9) features the exciting young chaser Lulu’s Dream as the Cole team’s leading prospect. “She owns an abundance of ability, and she can go all-the-way here,” suggested Cole.
“Big Time Brave is back from a season and she is likely to need the run. Honky Tonk High found it tough when he stepped up to C5 racing last time,” explained Cole.
Cracking field for The Phoenix
The racing will be frenetic Saturday evening at The Meadows track in Melbourne where the world’s richest greyhound race will be contested.
The 525m Phoenix is a slot race, which carries a A$1.65 million stake with the winner receiving A$1 million.
We asked Australian greyhound form analysis Brennan Ryan to dissect the classy field of greyhounds who will contest the fifth running of the race.
“The Phoenix is always a fantastic race with an outstanding field, and the slot holders have had their work cut out in making their selections.
“Slick Splits, representing team Dailly, is my clear favourite with a huge edge thanks to extensive track experience at The Meadows. He thrives from the rails draw and boasts two Group 1 victories in the Maturity Classic and Topgun.
“There has been plenty of discussion around Deadly Avenger.
For the first time in greyhound racing, a dog will be moved from George Borg (Perth) to leading Victorian trainer Jason Thompson specifically for specialized race training, solely to compete in The Phoenix - a situation I’ve never seen before.
“This slot race concept has always sparked unique ideas, and the challenge involving Deadly Avenger is a first. I have a lot of respect for the dog, and the connections will be eager for a shot at more Group race success.
“Mallee Beauty for Cameron Butcher from South Australia has that undeniable x-factor, a great box dog who’s an elite competitor and has previously handled The Meadows with ease.
“Canya Mayhem has shot to superstar status after earning accolades for his victory in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup. His track experience is a major advantage, racing with confidence, and the inside draw (Box 3) adds an extra edge.
“I’ve been fortunate to watch greyhound racing for nearly 20 years, and The Phoenix is an outstanding concept that deserves great credit to The Meadows and Greyhound Racing Victoria for their efforts in making it such a success.
“The idea was to share the stories behind the slot holders and bring new people into the sport who haven’t experienced the thrill we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy.
“From watching Wow She’s Fast win the first two editions and become a $2 million earner, to Schillaci giving Jihad Talgi—a down-to-earth dog trainer and pizza shop owner—his big moment, plus the phenomenal efforts of Explicit last year, it’s a race that just keeps building a legacy and story that’s changed the course of our sport,” advised Ryan.
Attending The Meadows will be representatives from the Christchurch GRC, who have a policy of sending a youth representative to Australian Group 1 greyhound races.
Travelling to Melbourne is Arlica Lange, who is a key person in the Jonathon McInerney kennels. Christchurch Board members Jonathon McInerney, along with Katie Wyllie will accompany Lange.
The Phoenix will be televised live on Trackside 1 at 11.43pm.
