Tommy Brislane’s potential comeback has been stifled by the recent rotten weather but trainer Steve White is still hopeful the star NSW greyhound may eventually return to racing.
The career of the outstanding two-time Group winner (pictured) has been in doubt since he was injured trialling in Melbourne shortly after his terrific victory in the Group 2 Bob Payne Classic last September.
A 2014 NSW Greyhound of the Year nominee, who has had 12 wins and two minor placings from 16 starts in his short but dazzling career so far, Tommy Brislane has been hard at work attempting to regain full racing fitness.
White said his charge, who also triumphed in last year’s Group 1 Dapto Megastar and has earned more than $160,000, was training well – but any return to the track was still in doubt.
“I’ve had him in the paddock with the other dogs for three or four weeks,” White, who is based at Nowra Hill on the NSW South Coast, said. “It’s all been all good.
“He has been free galloping round the track like a young stallion and pulling up well (but) you know you cannot wrap him in cotton wool forever.
“With these rains my straight at home is now wet which is not ideal. It may be a couple of weeks before we can give him a real go on them.
“At this stage there’s no decision (about his racing future). Hopefully in about a month we can make a call.”
Meanwhile, owner-trainer John Miles reports short course star Blue Thunda should be back racing within a month.
The daughter of El Grand Senor x Whinging Wrench, who has won 14 out of 16 races in a sparkling career so far, has been absent since early March after coming on season.
Miles said his greyhound had enjoyed a low-key but successful trial and he was now looking at suitable races.
The Central Coast trainer said his charge will likely be kept at 400m level, where she has enjoyed the majority of her success.
Another high-calibre greyhound, Stilton Blue, is also back on the comeback trail again.
Last year’s Group 3 Nowra Puppy Classic winner and Group 2 Bulli Gold Cup runner-up broke a toe on his return from almost six months out with a hip injury at Bulli on April 1.
Trainer Phil Goodsell said he was still confident Stilton Blue, who has 14 wins and 12 minor placings from 38 starts, had some decent racing left in him.
The son of Where’s Pedro x She’s A Player will likely be primed for a crack at the forthcoming Bulli Gold Cup depending on fitness and form.
