Paua To Escape has already had trainer David Ruse living on the edge during their early partnership but he reckons there’s some good times to come.
The promising newcomer aims for her second win in her first four starts in the Tony Dawson Stakes (457m), the second of 10 races at Goulburn on Tuesday.
Moss Vale-based Ruse has only had the greyhound a few weeks but they have already enjoyed a win over 520m at Wentworth Park last time out.
Paua To Escape had Ruse’s nerves jangling with a bad start before displaying some notable speed to secure victory.
“She normally comes out of the boxes well, but she missed the kick,” Ruse said.
“I was behind the boxes and I was throwing my hands in the air thinking, ‘Why now’.
“But she powered away and did well to win.
“There’s some smart dogs in this race (at Goulburn) but I cannot see her getting beat if she jumps the way she can.”
Paua To Escape was formerly with top Nowra Hill trainer Steve White, who captured the recent Group 1 Sportingbet Megastar with Tommy Brislane.
She has enjoyed good trial performances at Dapto and Goulburn and looks a handy performer.
After this run at Goulburn, Ruse will aim her for the forthcoming Group 3 $25,000-to-the-winner Nowra Spring Puppy Classic (520m).
“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.”
Ruse was introduced to training in his late teens in unusual fashion.
“I was at the races having a drink with a mate,” he said. “A bloke there had had enough of one of his dogs.
“We went over and he said, ‘you can have her’ and gave me his greyhound.
“I didn’t know a thing – I didn’t know whether to feed her, walk her or race her.“One thing led to another though and before long I was really into it.”
Ruse has trained ‘on and off’ for about 30 years since then and loves the sport.
“I think I’m hooked on racing,” the 48-year-old said. “Even when I wasn’t training, I would go and watch greyhounds trial.
“I get cranky when my dogs aren’t racing as well.
“I love greyhounds – they are a passion of mine. It keeps me out of the pub as well.
“There’s lots of good people involved in greyhound racing and I like the thrill of getting a winner, wherever it is.”
Other notables at Goulburn include Unleash De Magic (race seven), Mighty Belinda (race nine) and Wundurra (race ten).
Action starts at 2.16pm.
For Goulburn fields, form and expert tips, click here.
