Christmas Gift Winner Readies For Last Hurrah

PROLIFIC winning sprinter Modus Operandi will be striving to finish his glittering career on a winning note in Friday night's TAB Masters Meteor Final (520m) at Wentworth Park.

Winner of 23 races including victory in the 2018 Group 3 Christmas Gift at Wentworth Park, Modus Operandi will retire from racing following Friday's Masters Meteor decider where $100,000 awaits winning connections.

"What a wonderful greyhound he's been … I wish I had another 10 just like him," said trainer Rob Tyler.

"There's nothing better than going to the races with a dog that you know is going to give 100 percent each and every start – and that's this fella to a tee. He just doesn't know how to give up."

Modus Operandi launched his career way back in August 2017 with an auspicious maiden win at the now defunct Canberra circuit under the tutelage of then trainer Peter Sims.

"It feels like he's been going forever," Tyler added.

"He actually won the first race on inaugural Million Dollar Chase night in 2018. So fingers crossed there's something about this night that's an omen. It would be fantastic for him to go out in the money – he'll be giving is all that I can promise."

Modus Operandi, winner of over $100,000 during his career, will exit box six for Friday's rich finale wedged in between equal fastest qualifiers and favourites Sunburnt Highway (box five) and Nangar Kash (box seven).

"Box six has made the job all the more difficult – the two either side of him are definitely the two to beat," Tyler said.

"But win, lose or draw I'll leave the track proud of what he's achieved throughout his career.

"To finish second in his heat last Saturday highlights exactly the dog he is. He went in way underdone but just toughed it out and ran beyond expectations.

"He's done that his whole career – just a beautiful animal."