Pursell Eyes Successful Hobart Homecoming

BRIGHTON trainer Blake Pursell unveils two exciting former Victorian trained sprinters when he returns to racing at Hobart this Thursday night.

BRIGHTON trainer Blake Pursell unveils two exciting ex-Victorian sprinters when he returns to racing at Hobart this Thursday night.

Spending 10 weeks in Victoria during Tasmania's COVID-19 racing shutdown, Pursell returns to the track with a team of formidable chances, having served two weeks in self-quarantine upon his return home.

"Back to the cold," joked Pursell.

"I really enjoyed my time in Victoria and when the right opportunity bobs up I'll look to move there and give it a proper crack. I'm in no rush – just when the right thing comes up."

During his stint in Victoria, Pursell was lucky enough to be trackside to watch father Brendan Pursell guide Bronski Beat to an epic Group 1 Sandown Cup victory.

"It was a great night; everything just panned out for him which is what you need in those big races," Pursell said.

Leading Pursell's chances at Hobart this Thursday night is the hugely talented Twisted Reality which tasted success at Sandown Park back on June 11.

The son of Spring Gun has drawn box four in race six over the 461 metres.

"He trialled very well on Saturday morning," Pursell said.

"He broke 21 off the handslip and when you're doing that you're going good. His kennel-mate Goodnight Vicki is drawn outside him and she's not a crasher which helps. He should be hard to beat, I just don't want the second reserve (Tone Deaf) getting a run as it has a lot of speed."

Race eight on Thursday night sees Pursell unveil Lord Disick for the first time from box six.

"I'm good friends with Jamie and Brooke Ennis and they sent me Lord Disick and Paddy Lee to train," Pursell said.

"Lord Disick has run 29.90 at The Meadows so he has ability.

"He trialled well enough Saturday morning but lost the home turn.  They can do that their first time at Hobart, it's pretty tricky. But he came back down to the fence and got home nice."

Rounding out Pursell's night in the final event is the speedy Paddy Lee, the litter-brother to Lord Disick drawn box two over the 340m.

"There's a bit of speed on either side of him which is a worry," Pursell said.

"He trialled well Saturday and if he gets things his own way he can run 19.30-19.40 I'd say.

"Even though box eight isn't a great draw at Hobart from the 340m I'd probably rather that with him. From the two he just needs a few strides to get going."

A notable omission from Thursday night's Hobart card for Pursell is the ultra-talented Sprint Gordon, scratched from race three, the invitation event.

"He's got a slight groin tear," Pursell said.

"He was 50/50 but with a dog like him you don't take any chances." 

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