Launching Pad Looms For VicBred Maiden Hopeful

MILLION Dollar Chase winning trainer Brendan Pursell has declared impressive debut winner Tan And Black the "ultimate professional" ahead of his GRV VicBred Maiden semi-final assignment at The Meadows on Wednesday.

Tan And Black, a 20-month old son of My Redeemer and Miss City Girl, the dam a sister to ill-fated superstars Simon Told Helen and Who Told Stevie, was ultra-impressive on debut, landing his heat by 8 ¼ lengths in a slick 30.05.

The exciting youngster will again exit box two in Wednesday's second semi-final where the first four will progress through to the group 3 final on Australian Cup night.

FIELDS AND FORM THE MEADOWS WEDNESDAY

"He's a really nice young dog," Pursell said.

"The reports from break-in were good and from when he got here he's shown really good habits, exactly what you want to see from a young dog.

"Leading into last week he'd been trialling really well and while he led last week he's shown in trials he can come from behind as well.

"He's not the finished product yet but he's showing a lot of promise."

By successful sire My Redeemer from a female family which is producing a number of group race stars, Tan And Black lacks nothing in pedigree.

"He is owned by a syndicate led by Brian Parsons who co-owned Simon Told Helen and Who Told Stevie," Pursell added.

"I've had a few dogs for Brian and he's formed a syndicate with this dog with some people from his local Bowling Club. The other owners are first time owners, it's great they've got a nice dog.

"All things being equal we'll head to the Launching Pad with him after this series and give him his chance. Provided he keeps progressing."

Tan And Black is set to start favourite from box two for Wednesday's second semi-final in a race that boasts a number of exciting up-and-comers.

Al's Entity, well supported when third in his heat last week will exit box four, while Umberto, winner of his heat for Jason Thompson in 30.24, has drawn box seven.

"The box is an advantage," Pursell said.

"I've got Mason Lava in the three as well and he's a slow beginner so he won't worry the other dog early."

On Saturday night at The Meadows, Pursell will take a three-pronged attack into the Group 1 Australian Cup series with Mcinerney, Captain Larry and Who Told Shorty each set to take their place.

Million Dollar Chase hero Mcinerney takes his place in the showpiece event after finishing sixth to Wow She's Fast in the Group 1 Temlee, while Captain Larry and Who Told Shorty line-up off respective 29.85 and 30.08 last start wins at The Meadows.

"All three go into the series in good form," Pursell said.

"Captain Larry has been a real surprise packet and is racing with a lot of confidence. He's running the 500 right out now and there's been a lot to like about his recent runs.

"The kennel is going well and with some big races coming up hopefully we're in for a good few months."