White's Rebel With A Cause In Country Classic

IT took the best part of a week but the enormity of the occasion is now beginning to set in for young Goulburn trainer Jake White.

On Saturday night, the aspiring 27-year-old will set about lowering the colours of some of the giants of the sport when grand campaigner Rebel Ethics takes his place in the Ladbrokes Country Classic Final (605m) at Dubbo.

The world's richest middle distance event boasts a $125,000 first prize and will be staged in front of a capacity Dubbo crowd as the race goes from strength-to-strength since its inception in 2022.

FIELDS AND FORM DUBBO SATURDAY NIGHT

"It's only been really today (Thursday) that it's dawned on me to be honest … I've just been trying to keep things like any other week," White said.

"But I've had a few interviews to do and we had the stewards here doing an out of competition swab so things like that are all pretty new to me.

"To make a race like this in my mid-20s is a real buzz but there's still a job to do so the focus has been on getting there on Saturday night in the best shape possible.

"He's got the job ahead but whatever the result he'll make us proud. He's just a ferocious and honest chaser and leaves it all out on the track every start."

While White has recently begun forging a training career in his own right, greyhound racing is nothing new to him, hailing from a family with a steep background in the sport, including father Wayne, a long time trainer in the southern tablelands.

"I've got three racing in my name at the moment so to make a race like this against so many top dogs and trainers drives you to want to do it more," he added.

"I'm pretty self aware with things. I've made some mistakes with this dog along the way but the main thing is to not make the same mistake twice and you're always learning and asking questions.

"I bought Rebel Ethics off Dave Smith last August and he's been a big help with things."

Rebel Ethics progressed through to the Country Classic decider with a stylish second to the sport's number one stayer Palawa King in his semi-final.

The son of Melbourne Cup winner El Grand Senor tackled his semi-final from box four and now must negotiate box six for the final.

"I had a look and they are the worst two boxes on percentages there at Dubbo so he hasn't had any favours," White said of the $41 final chance.

"I've had a few little issues to overcome with him in recent weeks so I've had to keep him on the fresh side for the final but to be a chance he needs to find the front anyway.

"If he happens to get to the front I'll be looking over my shoulder to see where Palawa King is in the run and I'd say everyone will be doing that.

"After Saturday I'll head to the Ultra Sense with him but his main aim is later in the year in the Masters Meteor. He turns four in June so if all goes to plan that'll be his main goal."