Superstar sprinter Good Odds Cobber is set to become the latest greyhound announced for The Sandgroper at Cannington on April 24.
The multiple Group 1 winner, trained by Frank and Tracey Hurst, has been scooped up by Chasebet for the $600,000 feature slot race, with the decision locked in another destructive 29.35 performance in the Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg semi-finals on Saturday night.
“The team at Chasebet enquired about him about a week ago but once he won on Saturday night, we got another call first thing Sunday to seal the deal,” Frank Hurst said.
“It means the world to us. Money wasn’t even really a factor, it was just the prestige and honour of being invited. We’ve always thought he was a champion, but now he’s becoming everyone’s champion.”
“And we’re having a lot of fun with him and getting a lot of satisfaction racing him. We bred him, we’ve had him since day dot, he’s come through our line, and he gives us a lot of purpose and enjoyment.”
“He’s like our kid and for him to be recognised as one of the best dogs in the country, this is very special. He’s been invited because he deserves a shot at a race like this. We want the dog to showcase his ability in front of the country. Bring on The Sandgroper.”
Good Odds Cobber has won 36 of 62 starts and over $830,000 in prizemoney for Frank and Tracey Hurst
General Manager of Chasebet, Ryan Freedman, said the business was delighted to be partnering with "the benchmark in NSW greyhound racing".
"We're ecstatic to lock Good Odds Cobber in for The Sandgroper. We're a proud NSW-based bookmaker so we really wanted a NSW greyhound and there's been no better dog over the last 18 months than him," Freedman said.
"Frank Hurst's record and performances speak for themselves, so we're thrilled to lock him in as well. We wish the team all the best this weekend in the Golden Easter Egg and then it's full steam ahead to Perth."
Good Odds Cobber will join Canya All Class, Miss Envy, Tim Zoo and Deadly Avenger in the third edition of Perth’s richest race, with three race slots still available.
“This is a pretty new race, it’s an exciting concept, it’s worth a lot of money and it’s a special moment for him and for us,” Hurst added.
“Because it’s a one off race, he’ll fly over next Wednesday after the Easter Egg final, he’ll trial there on Saturday and then the race is on the Thursday. He’ll only be there a week or so and that’s manageable.”
“We’re planning on sending him to Paul Stuart’s place as well. He’s the leading trainer in Perth and he’s a person that can be trusted to give him the best chance of winning. I’m 78 now and it would be great to go across, but I think Paul is the right man for the job.”
Good Odds Cobber could become the first NSW greyhound to race in The Sandgroper (She’s A Pearl was withdrawn from the 2023 edition), and will be hoping to add his name to the honour roll that includes Crumble Monelli and Hector Fawley.
2025 continuing to deliver for the son of Fernando Bale x Good Odds Meghan, with appearances in the Group 1 Gold Bullion, Group 2 Bulli Cup and Golden Ticket and Group 3 Temora Cup all resulting in victories.
He’s also the second favourite for Saturday night’s Group 1 Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg decider, where a win would surge him into the illustrious million-dollar earners club.
“The eight finalists [for the Egg] are all obviously good dogs because you need to be to make this final. It’s a three-week journey and only the best get through,” Hurst added.
“I want him drawn in Box 1 obviously, or Box 8. I used to complain about the wide draw but his record in the pink [14: 10-2-0) shows he loves it out there so I better get on board.”
The box draw and Calcutta for the 2025 Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg will be held on Tuesday night at The Mardsen Brewhouse in Sydney. Tickets are available for $100 on The Dogs website.
