BRIGHTON greyhound trainer Brendan Pursell can look forward to spending more than a fair share of time in the winners circle in the coming months courtesy of two very classy pups in Despicable Todd and I’ve Got Class.
Despicable Todd and I’ve Got Class quinellaed the final the Tattsbet Maiden Thousand over 461 metres at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart last night.
The pair engaged in a battle from start to finish with Despicable Todd emerging triumphant over I’ve Got Class with Work It running on well for third but some distance from the first two.
Pursell was thrilled with the result which was clearly his best in a feature race final since he moved from training pacers to greyhounds 3-1/2 years ago.
“Despicable Todd is a ready made race dog, as he has good box manners and has plenty of speed, and that’s why he is undefeated from his three starts,” Pursell said. “He showed a lot from the first day he came to be and he’s kept improving.”
“He is owned by Mitchell Pryce and Sarah Easey and they will more than likely be taking him to Melbourne or Sydney after he’s won his grade fives on all tracks here in Tassie.”
“I know the time wasn’t much tonight (26.58) but my two dogs were bumping each other for a fair way with one trying to get off the fence and the other trying to find the rail so you can’t take any notice of the time.”
“Todd is probably capable of running 25.80 on the Hobart track and I’ve Got Class is not far off him,” he said.
Pursell also has an opinion of I’ve Got Class that was game in defeat.
“I’ve Got Class is very smart and he proved that by winning his semi-final,” Pursell said.
“To come from where he was and what happened to him in the race was a remarkable effort,” he said.
“Tonight he was game in running second but he was still very green and probably needs a little break,” he said.
“He might be really good after a break – at least that’s what I’m hoping is the case.”
I’ve Got Class (Spring Gun-Magic Castle) is owned by the trainer’s wife Lynne.
The talented trainer almost secured the trifecta in the race with his other finalist One Man Army (Belkin Bale-Dance Token) that looked set to run into third sport turning for home when he was pole-axed.
“One Man Army is just an unlucky dog,” Pursell said.
“He just seems to find the trouble. He’s had seven starts and is still a maiden with five minor placings but he’ll get his turn to shine,” he said.
One Man Army is owned by the trainer’s son Blake.
Pursell said Despicable Todd will more than likely head to Devonport to try and win his juvenile and grade five at that track and after capturing his grade five in Hobart he will take on the Launceston track for his juvenile and grade five.