Steve White is hoping to earn a $75,000 “bonus” in Thursday’s Group 2 Country Motor Company Dapto Puppy Classic Final (520m) with exciting Rare Pearl.
The sprinter jumps from box eight and is likely to start about the $2.30 mark after impressive performances in the heats and semi-finals.
Rare Pearl looks the one to stop here although his pre-race preparations have been hampered by an injury sustained in a catching pen collision after last Thursday’s semi-final.
White has earmarked Rare Pearl as a stayer and thinks he can sign off his sprinting days in style here.
“I always said to the owners, whatever he did over the 500m was a bonus,” the Nowra Hill-based trainer said. “He is going to be a stayer in the future.
“I think he will run the 700 metres in a few months’ time if he keeps running as strong as I think he will.
“He has a phenomenal finish on him already and has shown his ability so far.”
Rare Pearl has improved as the Puppy Classic series has progressed, following up his initial 30.37 run with a scorching 29.83 semi-final victory last week.
The sprinter has four wins and four placings from 10 starts so far and also won on his only previous start from the pink rug at Richmond recently.
“I just think he needs that extra space in the eight,” White said. “Once he hits the ground, he really accelerates.
“Box eight has been good to greyhounds in these big finals and I’m hoping it can be here.
“I think he can improve yet and will be a good greyhound.”
It is an even-looking final, especially after Alderley Reform’s withdrawal due to injury.
Stilton Lucky (box one) was initially unfancied for the series but has produced two superb runs so far to qualify for the $75,000-to-the-winner decider.
Queenslander Spring Bonanza (box three) improved with last week’s run and is a big threat, while Magic Earner showed her class in the semi-finals by winning in 29.77.
Meanwhile, White also said he is hopeful of having double Group winner Tommy Brislane back in action soon.
The superb chaser's career was thrown into doubt after he was injured shortly after his last run at Wentworth Park at the end of September.
White said Tommy Brislane will have another x-ray on the injury in two weeks.
He is hoping to have Tommy Brislane back in work shortly afterwards if the greyhound gets the all-clear.
For Dapto Thursday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
Group 2 Country Motor Company Dapto Puppy Classic Box Draw: 1. Stilton Lucky; 2. Magic Rama 3. Spring Bonanza; 4. Tonight Tonight ; 5.Lunar Sky ;6. Magic Earner; 7. Bertacious Bee 8. Rare Pearl. Res: Magic Knight.
