Palawa King, Stomping & Raider’s Guide in Rookie Rebel battle

The 2025 Group 1 Rookie Rebel at The Meadows is shaping up as one of the most competitive editions in recent memory, with a field packed full of talent set to battle over 600m this Saturday, February 22.

Defending champion Raider’s Guide ($5.50) will attempt to make history as the first greyhound to win back-to-back Rookie Rebel titles. The Tasmanian star, trained by Gary Fahey, has been a model of consistency, boasting 36 wins from 70 starts.

Despite not reaching his absolute peak in recent months, his preparation has been solid, including a 600m victory at Launceston and a 34.49 trial. Drawn in Box 7, Fahey believes the wide draw will give his charge the space needed to navigate the early stages before unleashing his trademark mid-race move.

Leading the market with the top greyhound bookmakers is Stomping ($3.60), the fastest qualifier and one of the country’s premier middle-distance chasers. Trained by Michelle Mallia, he faces the challenge of jumping from Box 5, a tricky middle draw that may require a sharp getaway to avoid early interference. If he finds the front, Stomping will be extremely hard to run down.

Zipping Kai ($5.50) and Warm Cockles ($6.50) add further depth to the field. Zipping Kai, trained by Thomas Dailly, is a Group 1 Hume Cup winner and will exit from Box 6.

If he crosses cleanly, his strength in the closing stages could make him a serious contender. Warm Cockles, prepared by David Burnett, gets a prime inside draw in Box 3, where he could sit just behind the leaders before launching his challenge in the final stages.

The wildcard in the field is Palawa King ($7.50), a five-time Group 1 winner who steps back in distance from his usual staying races. Trained by Jack Smith, he has drawn Box 1, which should allow him to rail up and stay close to the speed early. If the race turns into a test of stamina, Palawa King’s late strength could make him a serious threat.

Further down the betting, Paw Vortex ($9.00, Box 8) will need to overcome the wide draw, while Ethanol Volume ($11.00, Box 2) and Shake It Off ($15.00, Box 4) will be looking to cause an upset.

With a mix of proven Group 1 performers, rising middle-distance stars, and a defending champion attempting to make history, the 2025 Rookie Rebel Final promises to be a thrilling contest.

As always, Australian Racing Greyhound will have our runner-by-runner Rookie Rebel tips available for you on Friday, February 21.

2025 Rookie Rebel Box Draw & Betting Odds

2025 Rookie Rebel Box Draw & Field The Meadows 600m Group 1 $75,000 to-the-winner Saturday, February 22, 2025
	1 Palawa King T: Raymond SmithF: 12327Career: 76: 31-15-14Prizemoney: $1,103,875 +650
	2 Ethanol Volume T: Thomas DaillyF: 44584Career: 63: 17-11-9Prizemoney: $210,325 +800
	3 Warm Cockles T: David BurnettF: 32563Career: 35: 38: 9-8-5Prizemoney: $40,585 +450
	4 Shake It Off T: Robin MooreF: 41115Career: 41: 17-2-2Prizemoney: $86,915 +1000
	5 Stomping T: Michelle MalliaF: 21112Career: 55: 19-11-6Prizemoney: $185,908 +250
	6 Zipping Kai T: Thomas DaillyF: 61471Career: 42: 10-6-6Prizemoney: $134,810 +500
	7 Raider’s Guide T: Gary FaheyF: 17751Career: 70: 36-14-5Prizemoney: $400,235 +380
	8 Paw Vortex T: Samantha GrenfellF: 65541Career: 22: 9-3-2Prizemoney: $73,495 +600
Reserves
	9 Tully Luna T: Jeffrey BrittonF: 35424Career: 51: 11-8-11Prizemoney: $86,723 +900
	10 Utrillo Bale T: Samantha GrenfellF: 32117Career: 44: 12-11-5Prizemoney: $73,620 +2200