Couch Surfer Heads Britton's 715 Contingent

CHAMPION Victorian trainer Robert Britton admits he'll be taking a quantity over quality approach into the Ladbrokes ‘The 715' which gets underway at The Gardens on Friday week.

Worth $500,000-to-the-winner, the race is the world's richest staying event, with the inaugural staging last year won by Miss Ezmae, which retired to the breeding barn directly following her epic win.

On Tuesday, Britton was in Newcastle trialling in preparation for his ‘The 715' tilt where he expects to have an eight-strong contingent, headed by hugely promising WA stayer Couch Surfer.

Third in last month's Galaxy Final after qualifying fastest for the group 1 decider, Couch Surfer arrived in Victoria late on Sunday night after finishing midfield in The Sandgroper (520m) at Cannington on Friday night.

"He's had a big few days … a lot to ask of him," Britton said.

"He flew in late Sunday night and then we've brought him up to trial at The Gardens today (Tuesday) to give him a look at the track.

FIRST PICKED upsets kennel mate COUCH SURFER for trainer Chris Halse to win the 2023 Sky Racing Galaxy (G1) Final pic.twitter.com/cZSKOUmeCs

— Greyhounds WA (@greyhounds_wa) March 18, 2023

"I just put him through two sections from the boxes and he went middle of the pack which you'd expect with the workload he's had the last week.

"I'll get home now and have a good look over him and let him rest up before we return for the heats next week. It was just important he had a look at the track.”

Britton's decision to head to Newcastle for the lucrative event was made largely due to what he describes as a "genuine lack of depth" atop of the staying ranks currently.

And while he doesn't currently boast a stayer the caliber of his household names Fanta Bale, Tornado Tears, Space Star, Here's Tears or Rippin' Sam, the allure of the great prizemoney was enough reason to justify the trip.

"When you look at the staying ranks at the moment you can't really say there's one that would frighten you off and keep you away," Britton said.

"It looks very, very even. My lot are very even but they'll stay and are still improving.

“Along with Couch Surfer I'll bring up really solid graded dogs like Wheel And Go, Play Nice, Dirt Farmer and a few others and give them their chance.

"With luck in running and good box draws you never know. It's worth a shot."

Tuesday's trial session at The Gardens was the first time the champion mentor had returned to the Newcastle track since One Tree Hill won the Black Top way back in 2007.