Million Buck(s)! TAB Locked In For The Phoenix

PASS The Buck, one of the sport's brightest young stars, will represent TAB in The Phoenix at The Meadows on Saturday week.

The wagering giant unveiled the Anthony Azzopardi-trained sprinter as their dog of choice for the $1.65m flagship event on Wednesday morning, just 48 hours shy of Friday's all important cut off time.

Winner at eight of his 10 career starts, Pass The Buck returned to the track at Bendigo last Friday with a slashing 23.49 romp, the third fastest time recorded for the 425 metre journey this year.

READ: Pass The Buck Return Sets Phoenix Tongues Wagging

The dazzling performance was more than enough for TAB to pin their faith in the gifted youngster following a fortnight of positive discussions.

"The Phoenix has gone from strength to strength the past couple of years and to have a runner in the race this year is a huge thrill," Melbourne Cup winning trainer Anthony Azzopardi beamed.

"The TAB have been fantastic to deal with and from the outset we've said we wouldn't want to be there if we thought we'd be making up the numbers. The dog has proven he's an exceptional talent and his trials going into last week's Bendigo run have been as good as ever.

"For the past month, everything has been around having him cherry ripe for The Meadows on December 16."

Before last Friday's emphatic return to racing, Pass The Buck was last seen when going amiss in the final of the Group 3 Great Chase at The Meadows in October.

In the semi-final of the star-studded series, the son of Bernardo showed what he's capable of at The Meadows, scoring in a slashing 29.67 before breaking five seconds to the first mark in the final.

Following the announcement of Pass The Buck in the third running of The Phoenix, Tabcorp Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Adam Rytenskild said TAB was excited to be involved in the race with a rising star of the sport.  

"We're on with Pass The Buck in The Phoenix," he said.

“With eight wins from just 10 starts, including a victory at The Meadows, it was hard to look past him.

"In 2022, The Phoenix was our second biggest Fixed Odds greyhound turnover race for the year,  showcasing the huge interest that punters have in the event. We are really looking forward to Sky  Racing showcasing the event across 4000 venues and over one million homes."  

Pass The Buck is currently $8 in the TAB market.  

Nathan Grech, TAB Greyhound Trading Manager said: "Pass The Buck is good value in the market at  $8. His early pace is the reason we're on for him in the Phoenix. He has a very quick first section  which should lead the Phoenix. We are hoping it will be a case of, catch us if you can."