The 2025 Ladbrokes Dapto Megastar has gained some extra star power with the reigning champion returning to defend his title.
Good Odds Cobber will race at Dapto on Thursday for the first time since finishing third in a heat of the Brisbane Cup in June, and he’ll do it under the guidance of a new mentor.
Powerhouse Victorian trainer Jason Thompson now overseeing the stud and racing career of ‘Cobber’ as he aims to become the first back-to-back Megastar winner in the race’s history.
“He’s pleasing me and although he’s going in a bit fresh, do you reckon I’m going to jump in the car and drive 10 hours to Dapto just so he can have a night out?” Thompson said in jest.
Good Odds Cobber and Frank Hurst won the 2024 Ladbrokes Dapto Megastar in 29.44
“He might be a run underdone but whatever he does in the heat, it’ll certainly bring him on a lot and we’re hopeful he can get through to the final."
“At his age, there’s no point planning for races in 2026 because he’ll probably be retired by then. In a perfect world, he makes the Megastar final, finishes top three and qualifies for the semifinals of the Million Dollar Chase."
The news music to the ears of owners and former trainers, Frank and Tracey Hurst.
“Cobber originally went to Jason as a stud dog...that was the main and they've been drawing from him already and that's going great. But there was always the possibility to race him as well," Hurst said.
"You saw what he did in the race last year and apparently his work is as good as ever so I reckon if he can make the final and they prepare the track well, that Dapto track record could go."
The Hurst's eager to help celebrate a track that has brought them many happy memories over the years.
“We’ve got plenty of friends there and met plenty of nice people at Dapto over the years so we’re thrilled to be going down to celebrate Dapto and hopefully watch Cobber go back-to-back,” he added.
“We’re going to bring Good Odds Harada [Megastar winner in 2019] down as well on finals night even if Cobber doesn’t get through. I think Greyhound Racing NSW are bringing all the old Megastar champions back to Dapto to parade them around which will be nice.”
