Plaintiff Shock Scratching From Phoenix

LESS than 24 hours after The Phoenix box draw was completed, the Jason Thompson-trained Plaintiff has broken down and will not take his place in the $1m to-the-winner event on Saturday at The Meadows.

The Neds slot representative – the winner of 17 races from only 32 starts and $269,265 – went amiss, suffering a hock injury, in his final hit-out at The Meadows on Monday.

Plaintiff's devastated connections elected to bypass the Group 1 Silver Chief to concentrate on The Phoenix.

The son of Zambora Brockie would have been a prime contender in the $100,000 to-the-winner age-restricted classic which was won by another of Zambora Brockie's sons, Amron Boy.

Preludes to potential ‘Greatness'

PLAINTIFF, PADDY WANTS PATS and KELSEY BALE were all terrific winners in their respective preludes of the Group 1 @sportsbetcomau #MelbCup at @sandowndogs.

Bring on the third night of the #DreamChasersFestival.#GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/q963XLYVXu

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) November 13, 2022

A brilliant front runner, Plaintiff was to start from box five in the December 17 showstopper but Neds now must select another runner to take his place.

“Neds is shattered to learn that Plaintiff has broken down and is unlikely to race again,” Neds Executive Director – Stakeholder Engagement Karl deKroo said.

“As always the welfare of the animal is foremost in our thoughts, and we are shattered for Jason and Seona Thompson and all the team at Awesome Lodge.

“We have seen firsthand their love for their greyhounds and for this to happen in a freak accident is heartbreaking for all that are connected to Plaintiff and the broader industry.”

The two reserves for the world's richest slot race were to be announced on Wednesday with a decision to be made between (in alphabetical order): All Spritzed Up, Amron Dan, He's No Slouch, Kysaiah, Rejuvenate and Zippy Tesla.

It is expected that one of the aforementioned quintet will take Plaintiff's place (from box five) – a decision made a little easier for Neds given the allocated starting position is known.

Neds are expected to announce their replacement runner on Tuesday.

Bookmakers have suspended betting on the race pending the Neds announcement.

When the dust settled on Sunday, The Phoenix box draw was:

Box 1 – She's A Pearl

Box 2 – Paddy Wants Pats

Box 3 – El Dorado

Box 4 – Amron Boy

Box 5 – Plaintiff (Scratched) – will be replaced

Box 6 – Wow She's Fast

Box 7 – Tyanna Belle

Box 8 – McInerney