WA Talent Tops Britton's Launching Pad Chances

EARLY pace wins the race and premier trainer Robbie Britton knows that more than anyone after decades as one of the country's leading trainers.

And it is that thought that poses Britton with problems going into the heats of the Launching Pad (515m) at Sandown on Thursday night where he has five top chances including two from interstate.

“My best chance, going on the brilliant early pace he has is West On Brae,” said Britton.

“But he has Shima Classic drawn outside him and she is brilliant early and coming off a group 1 final spot.”

West On Brae comes from WA from the kennel of Britton's sister Linda and her partner Chris Halse where he has won five of six starts in impressive fashion.

“He's the third fastest of the five I have in the series, but the best chance because of his early pace,” he added.

“But the Sandown track is so fast these days, you have to be up front to be a chance in races like this.”

Of Queensland star Brother Jason, Britton is rather bullish but says his trials at Sandown Park have been all about strength at the finish.

“He's ready for the race,” said Britton.

“He ran a nice 29.50 at Sandown on Saturday morning but all his runs for me have been handy early but very strong at the finish. He will need a bit of luck.

“I will think he will go home and make a special dog over a middle distance in the future.”

Britton said he'd been amazed at the caliber of young dogs preparing for the Launching Pad in trials at Sandown Park in the past three weeks.

“It is the best series I have seen to date,” he said.

“There are probably 15 up and coming young dogs in the series I would love to have in my kennel.

“Every week for the past three weeks there have been dogs trialling 29.10 around Sandown in preparation for this series.”

Britton says Utah Express is the fastest of his five Launching Pad runners but the dog lacks early pace.

“Sid Core has had stopper bone issues and is on his way back,” said Robbie.

“He is probably a week or two too early for this series but if he can get through to the next round it will do him the world of good.”

Britton was critical of the need of race clubs to manufacture ultra fast racing surfaces.

“They have changed the entire way racing is run,” he said.

“Sandown in particular makes it very, very difficult for dogs to come from behind.”