Filthy Phantom Reaches 300-Start Milestone

SOUTH Australian warrior, Filthy Phantom, lines up on Sunday for his 300th race start when he contests a 400m Masters at Gawler in a race named after himself.

And his part-owner and trainer Tony Hinrichsen says the son of Lochinvar Marlow-Ruby Swift is almost a “good thing” to stretch his run to 325 starts.

In his 299 starts to date, Filthy Phantom has won 34, been second 48 times and third 56 times.

FIELDS AND FORM GAWLER SUNDAY

“It's a pretty good feat,” said Tony. “I'm so proud of him.

“His run to get second at Gawler on Wednesday was a pretty good effort.

“The club has honoured him by naming the race after him on Sunday and there will be a presentation after the run. It would be something if he could win it.”

Filthy Phantom first started racing at Strathalbyn on October 22, 2017.

His first win came at Strathalbyn in a 416m maiden on January 5, 2018.

“He just loves racing,” said Tony. “In fact, he doesn't look like slowing down.

“I've had the dog from the day of his birth and I know everything about him.

“He will tell me when it is time to call it quits. But, at the moment he is working himself in the runs each day against dogs years younger than him.”

Filthy Phantom has two litters of pups now rising eight months.

“They are just like him,” said Tony. “Laid back in temperament but all they want to do is run.”

Tony was upset about “greenies” attacking him on social media about the 300 race start milestone.

“They've never said a word about him until he got to 300 starts and now they want to a ‘save the Phantom' campaign,” said Tony.

He was highly critical of such a “campaign”.

“As I said, I've had this dog since day one,” he said. “He's bullet proof. He will tell me when he's ready to retire.

“I reckon he will get to at least 325 starts the way he is going.

“A few months ago I thought he was getting close to retirement when his form slipped a little, but his past three runs have been outstanding.”