Sportsbet Topgun winner Excavation is the new representative for slot holders Aaron Bain Racing and Summit Bloodstock in December’s $1.65M Phoenix at The Meadows.
It comes after Mackenna, this year's Golden Easter Egg winner, sustained a muscle injury in a trial over the weekend.
"We have no plans right now, other than to let her make a full recovery from the injury," a disappointed Paul Abela told The Greyhound Recorder.
Excavation was devastating in last Saturday's Topgun and set the second fastest time set at The Meadows this year, his 29.522 is narrowly behind Yachi Bale's 29.502.
He joins fellow Jason Thompson-trained Explicit earmarked for the major.
The Phoenix will be run on Saturday December 21 as the final chapter of this year's Dream Chasers Festival – live on Racing.com
CURRENT PHOENIX LINE UP
Melbourne Storm – Rinsed The Lot
Awesome Lodge – Explicit
Aaron Bain Racing & Summit Bloodtsock – Excavation
Australian Bloodstock – TBA
Sportsbet – TBA
Ladbrokes Racing Club – TBA
Total Container Solutions – TBA
Racing Queensland – TBD