Fernando Phil set to shine in The Sandgroper against Explicit
Fernando Phil, an up-and-coming talent in the world of greyhound racing, is set to represent Sportsbet in The Sandgroper event in Perth, April 18.
This prestigious race, with a prize pool of $600,000, will feature the Horsham Cup champion and finalist of the Australian Cup and Shepparton Cup.
Notably, Fernando Phil will be the first non-Wow She's greyhound selected by Sportsbet for such a competition.
Wow She's Fast, who is currently expecting puppies, has been a representative for Sportsbet in events like The Phoenix and last year's inaugural Sandgroper, where she emerged victorious.
The upcoming Sandgroper race on April 18 at Cannington is renowned as Western Australia's greyhound race, offering a $300,000 reward for the winner.
Michelle Mallia expressed her excitement about Fernando Phil's participation in this event by stating that it is both an honour and a valuable opportunity for him.
Having established himself as one of the fastest sprinters nationwide, Fernando Phil is eagerly anticipated to showcase his skills on this stage.
Named after Mallia's father-in-law, Fernando Phil, he has had a brilliant start to 2024.
His remarkable performance in defeating Explicit during the Australian Cup semi-final, with a lightning split time of 5.00 seconds followed by an overall time of 29.64 seconds, was particularly noteworthy.
Additionally, he triumphed over The Sandgroper bookmaker favourite Explicit again at the Horsham Cup.
Fernando Phil is gearing up for a challenge, and Mallia is feeling optimistic about his prospects.
She mentioned, “The race is expected to be fast-paced, but Fernando Phil can keep up with the competition from the start.
Whoever takes the lead has a chance of winning.
We're hoping for a favourable draw between positions one to four.”
Mallia, who hasn't raced in Western Australia for twenty years, is excited about the event.
Meanwhile, Wow She's Fast is preparing for motherhood after being bred with US sire Bella Infrared.
The greyhound racing community eagerly anticipates the birth of her litter, as scans have revealed she is carrying seven pups.
Fernando Phil's entry into The Sandgroper race marks a milestone in his career and is set to showcase his exceptional skills. Currently priced at $11.00 to win the $600,000 race.
Can his speed and unwavering determination leave a lasting impact on the racing scene, in Western Australia?
2024 The Sandgroper Odds
Odds as of April 4, 2024 – Courtesy of Neds
-
Explicit Win $3.00 Place $1.50
-
Morton Win $4.50 Place $1.88
-
Big Energy Win $4.80 Place $1.95
-
Hector Fawley Win $7.00 Place $2.50
-
Fernando Phil Win $11 Place $3.50
-
Sunset Frazier Win $11 Place $3.50