Coops...

For whats its worth... he was SCR on the 4th which means he should be legible for the Richmond Qualies over 400m on the 14th. Nom him then for them and see how he goes. If he makes it to next rounds, he will then gain fitness and experience out of it plus give you the idea of where he is at.... step him up in distance OR go non tab.

If you step him up - After the Qualies however far he goes through it - i would just chuck him in the 535 as he is already running over it so he should be fit enough. If not a handslip in between wont hurt him.

If he doesnt like the TAB if its not too far for ya, head to Nowra NON TAB (last tab meeting is 1 week tomorrow).Choices of 520 or 365 which can depend on his racing style and speed out of the box or even Dapto NON TAB.

If the dog goes well at either of those and competes high enough he may go well at tab... and then it gives you more options.

These are just a few thoughts chucked together to help out.


Regarding over running him. If you think he can run 500m (which trials say YES) then dont step back in distance. Keep him there and dont stop -i know this contradicts the above of going to Richmond Qualies but thats just an option i expressed.
The more he gains over the distance, the fitter he will get as from the sounds of it he would not be completely fit for 500m yet, but from the trial time, not too far from it either. id say 2 hanslips up a slipping track and a race/trial would be plenty, but get to the know the dog as he may like being fresh too.

Maybe take the hit and try Richmond tab and if he gets knoced around a bit, go elsewhere. The options are there, just at his age, its hard when so many good young pups are coming through