Steve White believes the stars have finally aligned to give Tommy Brislane a crack at this Friday night’s Group 1 Sportingbet Megastar (520m) at Dapto.
The sprinter (pictured) will start the $75,000-to-the-winner race from box three and is a strong contender despite having not raced since finishing runner-up to Chica Destacada in the NSW Sprint Championship at Wentworth Park back on August 9.
Nowra Hill trainer White said his greyhound, whose notable year includes making the final of June’s Group 1 Peter Mosman Classic and clocking up seven wins at Sydney’s Wentworth Park, could be hard to stop.
"We've finally got a bit of luck with the draw," he said. "I'm really happy with that.
"I've just had him up the straight every two or three days to take the edge off him. I think if you have them too fresh on race day then they play up.
"I did exactly the same after the Peter Mosman. I gave him two week off after that and he ran 29.51 at Wentworth Park next up."
Tommy Brislane has impressed since debuting in April, winning nine of 13 races.
He has not raced competitively at Dapto but ran an impressive 29.81 in a performance trial there last month.
Friday’s top-quality field also includes the likes of box one’s fast improving Shoulders, recent Group 1 National Sprint Championship winner Chica Destacada in box two, Jason Mackay’s formidable Zipping Willow (box seven) and gun Queenslander Flash Reality from the four.
"I would have liked to have been under Chica Destacada," White said.
"I think we've got a good draw but if you don’t come out well you have no chance.
"I think Shoulders is the dog to beat but if Tommy Brislane can come out well he has a chance."
Experienced White is an old hand when it comes to big races but said it would be a nerve-jangling build-up to the big race.
“I’ve won four Group 1 races so I’ve been down this road before, but you do get a bit nervous,” he said.
“You have got to compose yourself as the dog can feel it if you are bit nervous.
“I just wish everyone a safe race and I hope I can get a bit of luck.”
The race is part of the exciting new Thank Dog It's Friday Series, which showcases the best Friday night racing at regional country tracks across the coming months.
As well as the entertainment on the track, the Greyhound Racing NSW initiative offers racegoers VIP tickets and other prizes.
