Golden Ticket Showdown: Good Odds Cobber Faces Smooth Plane in High-Stakes Greyhound Race

BRISBANE, Australia — Greyhound racing fans are set for a thrilling showdown as Frank Hurst‘s star galloper, Good Odds Cobber, takes on Smooth Plane in the two-dog match race series at Albion Park on Thursday night. The pair, who emerged as the quickest in last week’s rain-affected four-dog heats, will compete for the coveted Golden Ticket, granting the winner immediate entry into the G1 Gold Bullion on January 30.

“Yes, Smooth Plane is a very, very good dog,” said Hurst, acknowledging his rival. “But, so is ours.” Good Odds Cobber, with a career record of 52 starts, 30 wins, and $421,000 in earnings, enters the race in peak form. Smooth Plane, owned by Australian Bloodstock, boasts 62 starts, 22 wins, and $494,000 in earnings, including a close second-place finish in the G1 The Phoenix two runs back.

Hurst issued a warning to Smooth Plane’s connections, emphasizing Good Odds Cobber’s strength and determination. “If our dog is in front, he will not be beaten,” Hurst said. “He’s very, very strong and has gotten even stronger in this campaign. He can run super times coming from behind. If he does lead, Smooth Plane will have to go around him because our bloke will not shift from the fence.”

Good Odds Cobber was initially slated to compete in The Phoenix but was withdrawn due to a viral infection while in Melbourne. Despite the setback, Hurst believes the trip benefited the dog. “That trip to Melbourne has done him the world of good,” he said. “He is trialling better now than he ever has.”

Smooth Plane, trained by Tom Dailly, was selected by Australian Bloodstock as their representative in The Phoenix after Good Odds Cobber’s withdrawal. The Golden Ticket winner will secure a spot in the prestigious G1 Gold Bullion, adding extra stakes to Thursday’s matchup.

The event also features other two-dog match races, including Danger Zone vs. Blue Kermaro, La Sagrada vs. Wreck James, and Warm Cockles vs. Lakeview Emily, ensuring a night of high-octane greyhound racing action.