Meadows Trial To Decide TAB Phoenix Runner

A two-dog trial at The Meadows on Monday afternoon will decide whether Typhoon Sammy or True Collinda represents the TAB slot in The Phoenix at The Meadows on December 18.

In a move akin to a parent sending two children out the backyard to sort out their differences, the winner of Monday's clash will book a place in the $1.145m The Phoenix (525m) while the loser will go home packing.

"After speaking with the TAB and the connections of both greyhounds I decided this was the fairest way to decide," said trainer Jason Thompson.

"It's perfect timing as they both need a solid hit-out on Monday and we'll let the result decide which greyhound represents The Phoenix slot."

Back in October wagering giant TAB announced it was joining forces with champion trainer Jason Thompson for its assault on the inaugural The Phoenix.

ICYMI: Sprint sensation TYPHOON SAMMY (6) was just over 2L outside Ballarat's 450m TR last night.

? TYPHOON SAMMY
? Jason Thompson
? G2 #BendigoCup
? 10 of past 12: 84%
? 24.83sec (Best) ?

Results ? https://t.co/aPFuO4KyP6 | #GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/AJOVXAy2z0

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) October 21, 2021

In recent weeks Thompson's formidable kennel has lost some of its leading Phoenix contenders with injuries to group winners Aston Fastnet and Equalizer along with the sad passing of star prospect Rebellious.

But while some of the kennel stars are now out of contention, Thompson remains optimistic about the credentials of both Typhoon Sammy and True Collinda, depending of course which wins through on Monday.

"Typhoon Sammy has won 12 of his past 15 starts including winning a Melbourne Cup heat and breaking the Bendigo track record," Thompson said.

"And I've always had a huge opinion of True Collinda and we're just starting to see the best of her now.

"Her run in a heat of the Melbourne Cup off a bad box was fantastic and then she ran a best of night 29.17 to win on Melbourne Cup night.  

"In Monday's trial I want to see Typhoon Sammy run low 5s early and 17.50 up the back. If he runs home in around 12.50 I'd expect True Collinda to run him down, if he runs home in 12.30 he'll probably hold on.

"They are two very different dogs in the way in which they run their time so it should be interesting."

At The Meadows on Wednesday, Thompson's last ditch effort to have Silver Lake in The Phoenix mix was foiled despite the maligned galloper posting a breathtaking 29.56 for the 525 metre journey.

A statement win from True Collinda… A best-of-night 29.17 on the biggest meeting of the year ? pic.twitter.com/zpbwiDZ0yJ

— Sandown Greyhounds (@sandowndogs) November 26, 2021

Sizeable weight variations in recent starts meant the son of Fernando Bale's unblemished trial couldn't clear his record of two previous indiscretions.

"Had the race been in another month he would have without doubt been the one," Thompson said.

"But even if we could get him in contention for the race given what he's done in the past it's just too big a risk on such a big stage."

Race sponsor TAB currently has Typhoon Sammy at $6 in The Phoenix betting while True Collinda is at $8.

Aston Rupee, a guaranteed starter in the race via owner Ray Borda's slot is favourite at $2.70, while Melbourne Cup hero Koblenz, expected to be announced as SEN's runner, is at $4.