Who will represent Melbourne Storm in The Phoenix?
Melbourne Storm‘s slot for The Phoenix has been thrown wide open following the scratching of their original contender, Rinsed The Lot.
With time ticking down and some A-class dogs already chosen, the team must select a replacement capable of rising to the occasion in one of greyhound racing’s most prestigious events.
The current Phoenix lineup for 2024 is as follows:
With a lot of dogs to choose from, here are some potential runners, each offering a unique mix of strengths and challenges.
Flying Zulu
Trainer: Jason Thompson | Career: 38: 22-5-2 | Prize Money: $796,120 | 525m Meadows Record: 29.55 | 525m 1st Sectional: 4.97
Flying Zulu has established himself as a reliable group performer with multiple wins at The Meadows and winning the Group 1 Brisbane Cup, making him a strong candidate for this high-profile race.
His familiarity with the track gives him a critical edge, particularly in navigating the unique demands of The Meadows’ layout. However, his Achilles’ heel is his early speed—or lack thereof. Consistently failing to break five seconds in the early section could leave him vulnerable to faster starters in a field packed with elite talent.
That said, if Flying Zulu can stay within striking distance early, his strong finishing ability could make him a genuine contender.
2024 Brisbane Cup Final – Flying Zulu (29.66)
Miss Envy
Trainer: Krystal Shinners | Career: 20: 13-2-4 | Prize Money: $291,332 | 515m Sandown Record: 28.98 | 515m 1st Sectional: 5.05
Miss Envy’s inclusion on the shortlist is well-deserved, thanks to her stellar form that includes an elite win at Sandown and an impressive Melbourne Cup campaign, securing third place behind Explcit and Joey The Jet.
Her ability to rise to the occasion in big races is a testament to her class and consistency, with notable wins over the likes of Power And Glory in the Million Dollar Chase Consolation Final and Smooth Plane in the Group 1 National Sprint Championship.
However, The Phoenix presents unique challenges, particularly given her lack of experience at The Meadows.
Additionally, her moderate early speed may leave her needing to navigate through traffic, which could prove costly in a race of this calibre.
If she can overcome these hurdles, her proven class makes her a live chance.
2024 National Sprint Championship Final – Miss Envy (30.29)
Lakeview Emily
Trainer: Harley Whelan | Career: 39: 16-9-3 | Prize Money: $340,800 | 525m Meadows Record: 29.55 | 525m 1st Sectional: 4.99
Lakeview Emily is arguably in the best form of her career and has shown she can handle wide draws with aplomb, a skill that will serve her well in the unpredictable dynamics of The Phoenix.
Her adaptability and current form make her a compelling option for Melbourne Storm; however, the pressure of competing against seasoned campaigners on such a big stage is an intangible factor that could influence her performance. With her most notable run coming second to Flying Zulu in the Group 1 Brisbane Cup.
2024 Brisbane Cup Heat 2 – Lakeview Emily (29.93)
Blue Kermaro
Trainer: Joshua Formosa | Career: 29: 9-5-6 | Prize Money: $1,097,055 | 525m Meadows Record: 29.64 | 525m 1st Sectional: 5.05
Blue Kermaro, the 2024 Million Dollar Chase winner, is one of the most accomplished runners on the list.
His rise in recent months has been nothing short of remarkable, positioning him as a top-tier contender.
Despite his class, questions linger about his readiness following a scratch on November 30 and a less-than-ideal start in his most recent outing.
Blue Kermaro’s ability to execute under pressure and deliver a clean run will be critical if he’s to contend for Phoenix glory.
2024 Million Dollar Chase Final – Blue Kermaro (29.41)
Tim Zoo
Trainer: Jason Thompson | Career: 43: 19-8-4 | Prize Money: $511,960 | 525m Meadows Record: 29.54 | 525m 1st Sectional: 5.07
Tim Zoo brings a combination of raw strength and proven Group 1 form at The Meadows, making him a well-rounded contender.
His genuine 5.00-second early speed is among the best in the field, giving him a clear advantage if he can secure a clean getaway.
However, Tim Zoo’s preference for inside draws could become a double-edged sword in a competitive field.
If the draw works in his favour, he has the tools to deliver a commanding performance with a recent impressive win in the Group 3 Sir John Dillon Memorial and the current Australian Cup champ.
With no current nominations for any race, could Thompson secure a third dog in the 2024 The Phoenix?
2024 Australian Cup Replay – Tim Zoo (29.71)
Epitomize
Trainer: Bradley Greenough | Career: 10: 8-0-0 | Prize Money: $59,760 | 525m Meadows Record: 29.96 | 525m 1st Sectional: 5.05
Epitomize, trained by Bradley Greenough, has rapidly ascended in the greyhound racing scene, showcasing exceptional early speed and a near-perfect race record of eight wins for 10 starts.
Despite limited experience, Epitomize has demonstrated the ability to lead races and strengthen with each run, positioning him as a formidable contender in high-stakes competitions.
Currently a $5.00 shot in the Silver Chief Classic final, a big win from the outside draw could very well secure the young 2-year-old a shot in The Phoenix.
2024 Melbourne Cup heat 4 – Epitomize (29.27)
Iconic Jet
Trainer: Shayne Williams | Career: 19: 13-2-1 | Prize Money: $98,156 | 525m Meadows Record: 29.89 | 525m 1st Sectional: 5.07
The least experienced of the contenders, Iconic Jet, is an exciting up-and-comer with untapped potential.
His recent trial time was lightning-fast, signaling that he could be ready to make a splash in open-class company.
However, stepping up to this level comes with its challenges, and Iconic Jet’s most recent run in the Silver Chief Classic heats might show he is potentially a few months away from a high-level calibre race like this. A recent interview discussing the aim to target The Sandgroper with interest already there.
That said, his raw speed and potential make him an intriguing wildcard for the Melbourne Storm and has made him a well-deserved favourite in the Group 1 Silver Chief Classic Final.