Awesome Lodge makes their Phoenix decision

The most sought-after kennel in the history of The Phoenix, Awesome Lodge, has announced Explicit as their representative for The Phoenix in 2024.

“When we applied for a slot, we always had Explicit in mind as he looks like a perfect fit for the way the race is decided” said Jason Thompson.

“With the box draw being ‘pick a box’ we wanted a multi-dimensional greyhound who would be just as effective from box 1 to box 8 and he has certainly proven that in his career to date.”

Boasting an enviable record of 23 wins from 30 starts, the G1 Temlee winner recently broke the track record in the Million Dollar Chase regional final held at Temora.

“Providing all goes to plan, he will have his next race start in the Million Dollar Chase semi-finals at Wentworth Park before coming back to Melbourne for the Topgun & The Melbourne Cup.

“He won’t have any race starts outside of the major group races over the coming months.”

With an abundance of talented greyhounds in their kennel including Flying Zulu, Tim Zoo, Field Day, Joey The Jet and many more, Team Thompson may not be done with representation in the race just yet.

“I would like to think we have other greyhounds who would be considered by some of the remaining slot holders.

“Flying Zulu beat him (Explicit) in the Brisbane Cup and broke 5 seconds to the first mark at The Meadows just two starts ago”

“Tim Zoo won the Australian Cup at The Meadows and is giving me every indication that he has come back as good as ever.”

Team Thompson has been prominent in all three editions of the world’s richest greyhound race with True Collinda, Alpha Zulu & Postman Pat having represented the kennel of the reigning Australian Greyhound Trainer of the year, Jason Thompson, while Plaintiff was scratched in the week leading up to the 2022 Phoenix.

Interestingly, all three announcements have been made by new slot holders to the race; Melbourne Storm (Rinsed the Lot), Aaron Bain Racing & Summit Bloodstock (Mackenna) & Awesome Lodge (Explicit).

With 95 days until the race, the slot holders yet to make their slot representative known are Sportsbet, Ladbrokes Racing Club, Racing Queensland, Australian Bloodstock & Total Container Solutions.

Confirmed starters for The Phoenix (odds thanks to Sportsbet)

Melbourne Storm – Rinsed The Lot ($7)

Aaron Bain Racing & Summit Bloodstock – Mackenna ($5)

Awesome Lodge – Explicit ($4.50)

Sportsbet – to be confirmed

Ladbrokes – to be confirmed

Australian Bloodstock – to be confirmed

Total Container Solutions – to be confirmed

Racing Queensland – to be confirmed

‍

‍