Steven White and his greyhounds Rare Pearl and Tommy Brislane are far away from their recently sold residence in Sydney, but with both greyhounds in Saturday night’s final of the $67,000 Group 2 Harcourts Cranbourne Cup (520m), White has made the most of his relocation to Victoria.
“I’ve been coming down to Victoria racing since 2004 and I stayed at the property that I currently own now. The opportunity came up six months ago to purchase this property so I took it,” explained White, the new owner of a property in Buln Buln East.
After White’s children had grown up, he saw this as an opportunity for he his wife to relocate to Victoria.
“I brought four greyhounds down with me. It has taken us a while to settle in and get accustomed to new things. Out of all the dogs Rare Pearl has taken a shine to the move the most. He is such a creature of habit and very used to routine so it was a surprise, but he is doing well with the change,” said White.
When speaking of Rare Pearl and Tommy Brislane making the Cranbourne Cup, White is quite impressed due to their lack of exposure to the track.
“Both greyhounds hadn’t been to Cranbourne before. Tommy Brislane hasn’t gotten the start (of his races) right since we have moved, but he’s starting to get back to his best now. Even though the second dog to Tommy (Cut Loose Max) was strong and a group dog, Tommy Brislane has never been beaten before when he has gotten out in front.”
“Rare Pearl was a big chance. He got a bit sidetracked near the home turn because he hadn’t raced there before, but he was motoring. It was impressive.”
“Cranbourne is probably the hardest (approximately) 500m race in Australia. I was quite happy with Tommy. I’m just grateful he has gotten back to racing after a few injuries and Rare Pearl is a very fast and a very strong dog,” explained White.
Having drawn box 4 (Rare Pearl) and 7 (Tommy Brislane) in the final, White believes his dogs can produce.
“These finals are never easy no matter which state you’re in. They’re both good chances though. Tommy Brislane is getting back to his best and Rare Pearl is a real chance. We just need a bit of luck,” explained White.
“If we were to win, it would be great for NSW trainers to see what you can do in such a short time,” White stated.
WATCH: Rare Pearl (2) scores win his heat in 30.43 seconds.
WATCH: Tommy Brislane (5) win his heat in 30.36 seconds after copping a bump on the first turn.
