Worthwhile Cause Behind Ned's Phoenix Push

IF Bandit Ned snares a spot in The TAB Phoenix he'll be racing for far more than just his proud group of owners.

Earlier this week, Punters HQ, the syndicate which races the star son of Fernando Bale, announced that they are teaming up with mental fitness charity Gotcha4life in the countdown to the showpiece event.

If Bandit Ned secures a berth in The Phoenix and ultimately wins, Punters HQ will pledge $75,000 of the $750,000 first prize to the not-for-profit foundation which is working towards ending youth suicide.

Regardless of his finishing position, at least $5,000 will be donated.

"And if he gets a start in the race he won't be there making up the numbers," said trainer Andy Lord.

"I trialled him up my straight last week and he went the best he's ever gone and at Goulburn in a trial the other day he almost broke the track record.

https://twitter.com/hopkins_11/status/1463611866354049025

"There were some excuses for his run in the Topgun so you can totally forget that run. I don't think I've ever had him better."

Bandit Ned, winner of the Group 1 Vic Peters Classic at Wentworth Park last month, is one of ten greyhounds vying for Greyhound Racing NSW's place in The Phoenix through "The People's Pup" competition being staged via The Daily Telegraph.

The competition closes this weekend before the winner is announced on Monday morning.

Lord is hoping the ownership group's decision to pledge some of the potential spoils to such an important charity like Gotcha4life will help drive support for his 15-time winner.

"I've been training for a long time and don't go in races just to make up the numbers," Lord said.

"I'm very confident he'll race extremely well if he gets in. The fact he's trialled fast at The Meadows is another strong pointer.

“Getting the charity involved is fantastic for all concerned. I'm sure he'd do them proud if he gets the opportunity.”

As a part of "The People's Pup" competition, one lucky person will have the chance to win $50,000 when The TAB Phoenix is staged at The Meadows on December 18.