Lakeview Emily may have been a late inclusion in the world’s richest greyhound race, but that hasn’t dampened the spirits of Team Whelan and first time slot holder Melbourne Storm.

Melbourne Storm was the first to announce their The Phoenix representative – Rinsed The Lot, less than 24 hours after the slot holders were announced.

Sadly for connections however, Rinsed The Lot was withdrawn from The Phoenix contention at the start of December due to injury.

But with crisis comes opportunity and Rinsed The Lot’s omission has seen Lakeview Emily take her place in the $1m-to-the-winner race where she will be the only female in the star-studded field.

During Sunday’s dramatic box draw, Luke Whelan was the second last representative to select a box.

Boxes five and six remained but Whelan elected for box six for Lakeview Emily.

“She likes the even draw,” Whelan said.

“We were going to go either two, four, six or eight – so not really that disappointed.”

Lakeview Emily has only jumped from box six on two occasions, for two second placings but she has won on nine occasions from even boxes.

“You couldn’t get the dog any better – it’s all up to her. She’s got no excuses.”

The box draw for the 2024 edition of the Phoenix was conducted live on Sky 1. 

Team Whelan, headed by brothers Luke (24) and Harley Whelan (27), won their first group race in 2021 with Lakeview Emily’s older brother, Lakeview Walter.

Lakeview Walter won the Group 1 Silver Chief at The Meadows and was remarkably Team Whelan’s first group race contender.

Brad Canty, owner of Rinsed The Lot and friend of Melbourne Storm Chairman Matthew Tripp, was involved in the selection process of Lakeview Emily following the withdrawal of his charge.

“Her last four starts at The Meadows she has gone 29.65 (seconds) at worst and 5.03 (seconds early) at worst and she has won every race,” Brad Canty said.

“Between that, her quick trial at Warragul and her early pace, I was very surprised she was still available for selection.

“I give her a good chance in The Phoenix, and I think she is well drawn.”

Lakeview Emily’s hometown of Metung will be cheering her on, as she aims to claim the title of the Metung Marvel off her older brother Lakeview Walter.