WA “Wrecking Ball” Continues MDC Path

TRAINER Steve Withers is in sheer admiration of the kamikaze-like racing style employed by his budding superstar Panama Pepper.

But the premier WA conditioner is concerned it's that very attribute that could plot his downfall in Friday night's Richmond regional qualifier of the TAB Million Dollar Chase.

"Box five is a sticky box the way they are all drawn – very sticky actually," Withers said.

"There's speed on his inside that shifts up the track and two high quality dogs in the middle in him and Photo Man.

"In a field my bloke is fearless, he's a big dog and he knows it and he uses it like a bully. But in saying that if he doesn't begin cleanly that could bring about his downfall as well."

The West Aussie Panama Pepper has won the first @tabcomau #MillionDollarChase Regional Heat at @richmond_greys in fine style, clocking 29.34 in his victory over Tania Keeping, Gatlin & My Name's Bernie!

Results: https://t.co/gaQDkakOvS#thedogs #MDC @greyhounds_wa @leiaernest1 pic.twitter.com/B5VVDyFK0e

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) August 26, 2022

Winner at 19 of 30 career starts, Panama Pepper is one of the sport's brightest young stars.

And the regally bred son of Superior Panama has quickly thrust Withers back into the spotlight following on from the spectacular career of his champion sprinter Tommy Shelby.

The household name took Withers all over the country, amassing more than $1m in prizemoney earnings, multiple group 1 titles and Australian Greyhound of the Year honours.

"You don't find another Tommy Shelby," Withers said.

"Tommy was a smart dog where Pepper has that kamikaze style attitude.

"He's a wrecking ball that wants to get the job done with little self preservation or care to what's around.

"It's an admirable trait but it would be good to be able to harness it at times as well."

Panama Pepper stormed into tonight's decider with a sparkling 29.34 heat victory with the other heat going to Photo Man, a finalist in May's Million Dollar Chase, in 29.51.

Panama Pepper is a $2.80 favourite ahead of Photo Man at $3.70 while sitting up in box one is NSW star Zipping Kyrgios, a $3.80 chance to recapture his best form.

To book a spot in the MDC semi-finals at headquarters on September 16 the equation is simple.

"I'd be as happy with third as I would first," Wither said, alluding to the fact the placegetters receive automatic semi-final berths.

"But if not we'll get him down to Wentworth Park and begin preparing for the city qualifiers on September 10.

"At the end of the day to win a series like this you need to be good enough and tick the boxes along the way so it's up to him.

"I know one thing, there's no other dog I'd rather be taking home. He's feeling fantastic."

Back in 2020, Withers finished third in the Million Dollar Chase with Tommy Shelby behind winner Handsome Prince.

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TAB All-In Betting Million Dollar Chase
(Wentworth Park, September 24)

SHE'S A PEARL    $3.5
GOOD ODDS CASH    $8
WOW SHE'S FAST (DOUBTFUL)  $8
FRENCH MARTINI    $10
PANAMA PEPPER    $10
AMRON BOY     $15
BIG OPAL ROCKS    $15
PAUA OF BUDDY    $15
PLAINTIFF     $15
SHIPWRECK     $15