Postman Pat On Verge Of Brisbane Cup History

JASON Thompson and Tony Brett have a stranglehold on the Group 1 Brisbane Cup that's nothing short of extraordinary.

Between the two champion mentors they have won 10 of the past 19 editions of the flagship event, boasting a record equalling five wins apiece.

And at Albion Park on Friday night the pair will combine to add further to that remarkable tally when phenom Postman Pat – trained by Thompson yet guided by Brett for his Brisbane campaign – takes his place in the $1 million showpiece.

Born and bred in New Zealand, Postman Pat, a son of Hooked On Scotch, made his way to Australian shores in March as a track record breaking winner at 10 of his 14 starts.

And while he made his way across the Tasman amid plenty of fanfare, no one could have envisaged the burning impression he'd create, stringing together seven straight wins to surge to Brisbane Cup favouritism.

"He's done an awful lot in a short amount of time, it's hard not to think the best isn't still ahead of him," Jason Thompson said.

"There's no doubt he's a pretty special dog. He's had a lot of change thrown his way but taken it all in his stride and that's being displayed in his races.

"Only the very good ones have it at both ends of their races and he does. He's elite at every stage of the race. He's the kind of dog you dream of getting. The one you get up for."

Thompson vividly remembers winning his first Brisbane Cup with Uno Joel in 2007 before going on to taste further success with El Galo (2008), Got A Moment (2012), Black Opium (2020) and Equalizer (2021).

"The race was worth $50,000 when Uno Joel won in 2007 and now we're racing for $1m – it's quite extraordinary the uplift," Thompson said.

"Greyhound racing in Queensland is going from strength-to-strength and it's just great to be a part of what is now arguably the biggest carnival in the country."

But to enjoy success north of the border, the Victorian trainer is quick to heap praise on fellow champion conditioner Tony Brett, the duo having struck up a nearly unbeatable association in recent years.

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Brett, who landed the showpiece event last year with Orchestrate, won the first of his five Brisbane Cup titles 20 years ago with his grand Hall of Famer Bogie Leigh.

As well as Postman Pat, Brett is the caretaker trainer for Perth Cup winner Elite Machine also.

"Having Tony on hand to send the dogs to makes it very easy," Thompson said.

"Our kennels must run a lot the same because the dogs settle in and thrive. When the dogs are there Tony steers the ship, I'm more worried when I do hear from him then when I don't.

"While they are there it's his show."

Postman Pat will exit box eight in Friday night's $650,000-to-the-winner decider where he'll start the headline act in front of what's expected to be a capacity crowd.

But with favouritism becomes responsibility and Thompson is confident his bonafide superstar is up to the task while reserving a healthy respect for his opposition.

"I think box eight works for him," he added.

"Even if he doesn't come out flying – like last week – it gives him time to come across. But I'd be hoping he comes out like he did the week before in the prelude."

In the prelude Postman Pat posted a jaw-dropping near record 29.39 success before registering 29.53 to salute in his heat, slightly quicker than the 29.55 recorded by two-time winning Victorian Amron Boy.

"I've got an enormous amount of respect for Amron Boy – he's flying," Thompson said.

"To qualify for a Brisbane Cup you have to be going extra well so I've got respect for all of the finalists.

"In a big race like this it's a bit like an AFL player getting a kick after the siren to win the game. It's when the pressure is on you need to deliver and hopefully we can execute on Friday night."

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Group 1 Brisbane Cup (520m)

1. Bear's Bullet $10 2. Mepunga Warrior $26 3. Crumble Monelli $8 4. Elite Machine $5.50 5. Magistrate $18 6. Simply Limelight $12 7. Amron Boy $4.80 8. Postman Pat $1.85