Buddy Boxed To Perfection For Thousand Onslaught

STEVE White's early wishes came true for the running of the Group 1 Hobart 1000 (461m) on Thursday night in which he will be represented by Paua Of Buddy drawn perfectly out in the eight box.

“I wanted to be well away from Fernando Mick,” said Steve. “I got that with Mick being in the two box.

“But, I had another wish and it was that Buddy draw the eight. Got that too.”

Paua Of Buddy (Aston Dee Bee-Paua To Admit) scorched down the outside of the Hobart track last week when winning his heat in 25.73.

It was a “tick” outside the best of the heats reeled off by David Geall's Melbourne Cup runner-up Fernando Mick at 25.63.

Box Draw completed for the $150k Group 1 @ladbrokescomau Hobart Thousand Final – race to be run Thursday night 15th December. pic.twitter.com/qzlJ0v8CTI

— Tasracing Australia (@TasracingAus) December 10, 2022

Paua Of Buddy has always been a hot prospect.

His 14 wins from 28 starts have resulted in the Warragul track record and Group 2 Bendigo Cup as well as placings in the Southern Stars and The Arrow.

“He has not been beginning as well since he had to get part of a toe removed,” said Steve.

“But, he came out as good as ever last week in the heat.”

White sent Paua Of Buddy to long-time friend, Tassie trainer Rod Ransley.

“Rod sent me a dog called Apparently So for the Vic Peters 10 years ago and we won a race or two at Wenty for him,” said Steve.

“Rod keeps only a couple of dogs in his kennel but he is a great trainer.”

Rod reported Paua Of Buddy had pulled up a treat after the heat win and worked well on Monday in preparation for the Hobart 1000 final.

“It's the first runner in a Hobart 1000 final for our kennel,” said Steve.

White has done his homework on the final box draw.

“We have come up with a good draw because the seven (Vice Grip) will want to get to the fence,” he said.

“That might fix up Tassie's hot dog Rojo Diamond who is drawn in the six.

“But, we have to come out good and be up with Fernando Mick early.

“He's got a new lease of life that dog (Fernando Mick).

“Our first sections were much the same last week so the race can be won in the first split.”

Paua Of Buddy will have a freshen up after he arrives back in Victoria on Saturday but January will be busy for the dog which will be pointed to the Warragul and Traralgon Cups.

Steve White is looking forward to heading to The Meadows on Saturday night for the running of The Phoenix.

“Not only will we get to see such a great race, but my old Queensland mate Mick Zammit won a free trip to Melbourne for the race plus a bit of spending cash,” said Steve.

“I can help him spend that … for sure.”