Hine represents the West with Wise Thunder

By Isaac Murphy

The best sprinters from the East Coast are always present for $375,000 Group 1 Brisbane Cup. 

With those kind of riches on the line, trainers are travelling from everywhere, including Western Australia, where Michael Hine will represent the state with speed machine Wise Thunder in Thursday’s heats.

The dog was coming off a fourth in the Group 1 Perth Cup and a last start Listed runner-up, and Hine is happy to pull the trigger as he and the dog joined the Brett camp last week.

“I was really happy with the trial last Thursday; I came over from Western Australia knowing I probably had to trial under 30 to be in the mix for the Brisbane Cup heats and 29.94 with a 5.49 first sectional was just what I was looking for,” Hine said.

“Trialling directly after Aston Fastnet who went 29.62 was always going to be a hard act to follow, but to run within five lengths of a dog like that who’s an absolute jet was a real confidence boost we’re not out of our depth.

“He’s settled in beautifully here at Tony’s place, I’ve been able to give him the right amount of work during the week where I think he should improve lengths especially in his run home.”

Unlike a handful of Victorian and New South Wales runners, Wise Thunder has had the stability of a Queensland preparation where others are flying in on the day.

“You’re always looking for an edge and having had him up here for 10 days now with a trial and a couple of gallops under his belt is definitely more suitable than flying in the day before the race,” Hine said.

“There’s no easy heats but I think we’re probably in one of the hardest, I had to have him cherry ripe to send him out there a chance and I’m confident he’s spot on.

“At the end of the day, having him ready is all you can ask for; box draws and what other dogs do are out of your control - we’ve done everything we can.”

The dog gets a return clash with Perth Cup winner Tiggerlong Tonk who heads a loaded field, leaving no room for error when Wise Thunder jumps from box five.

“When you’re racing dogs the ilk of Tiggerlong Tonk, Wynburn Sheean and Extra Malt there’s no room for error and if he wants to be winning, I think he needs to lead the race from box five,” Hine said.

“Watching the replay of his trial, that was the first time in a while he stayed down in the boxes and really anticipated the start which is an encouraging sign.

“He does like to cut left out of the lids, so I’m hoping we can clear Hope’s King in the four early and follow Wynburn Sheean across which should make it tougher on Tiggerlong Tonk who got one up on us in the Perth Cup - I’d love to get one back.”

Hine has had greyhound racing in his blood watching his parents train as a kid, and although he’s been to Queensland before, he’s returned under much different circumstances.

“I’ve always had a connection to Queensland but haven’t been over for 18 years, my parents used to buy dogs of Tony and Mick Zammit to race in Perth and I was lucky enough to come over as a 14-year-old and see how they operated,” he said.

“Fortunately for me, 18 years later I’ve been blessed with a dog that’s good enough to put the effort in to travel with for a Group race and I’m enjoying every minute of it.

“It’s been a great experience for me personally to come over and stay with Tony and Fleur (Brett), to see how their kennel operates is invaluable and I’m going to take a lot of lessons home with me.”

Hine is rapidly building a profile for himself in the Western Australian training ranks and who knows what a Group 1 Brisbane Cup Final could do for his future.

“The Brona Lane Racing Syndicate I train the dog for are extremely active breeding their own dogs in Western Australia and are a real powerhouse within the state,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky enough to pick up a few of their second-rate dogs over the years who still perform at a high level over here, but this dog’s the most talented I’ve had by a country mile.

“It’s a big decision to come to Brisbane but they backed me in all the way after a fourth in the Group 1 Perth Cup and runner-up in Listed grade last time out, so I’m keen to repay the faith.”