Paua To Escape may not quite be up to the standard of double Group winner Tommy Brislane but David Ruse hopes she can make a splash in the Group 3 Classicbet Spring Puppy Classic (520m) at Nowra on Monday.
The promising greyhound goes from box one in the first of five heats of the Classic, which has attracted some of NSW’s most promising greyhounds.
Ruse took her over from Steve White, trainer of flying Tommy Brislane, a few weeks ago and their partnership seems to be flourishing.
The Moss Vale trainer said a word from White had convinced him to try his luck in the Classic.
“Steve rang me after her trial at Goulburn and said, ‘put her in – she’s ready’,” Ruse said.
“She’s not up to Tommy Brislane’s standard but I think she will be above average.”
Paua To Escape has already enjoyed a win at Wentworth Park and trialled solidly.
She has yet to run at Nowra and faces some rivals today, including former kennelmate Paua To Change (box eight).
This greyhound has shown decent ability in trials and should go well on her home track.
Others to watch in this year’s Classic include Frattini in the third heat, and the White-trained pair Paua Explosion (fourth) and Paua To Roar in the fifth.
The latter pair have already chalked up 10 wins between them, with Paua To Roar particularly impressive.
He has won eight times and clocked a superb 25.32 for the 457m at Goulburn last month.
Twist">Twist Me Over in the second heat and Shady Ace, in the fourth, are also worth keeping an eye on.
The pair are from the kennels of Nowra Hill trainer Garry Edwards, trainer of the recently retired star sprinter Double Twist.
“They are not up to Double Twist’s ability at this stage,” Edwards said.
“Both of them have trialled fantastically at Dapto, but not so great at this stage at Nowra, Bulli and Goulburn.
“Twist Me Over has good early pace, while Shady Ace is a strong dog.”
A decent field has been assembled for the Classic, which is open to eligible greyhounds whelped between Jul 1-December 31 2012 this year.
Semi-finals take place next Monday, with the $25,000-to-the-winner on Saturday, October 11.
Ten races are on the card at Nowra and action starts at 2.58pm.
For Nowra Monday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
