It will be ‘friendly fire’ in a Grade 5 final (600m) at The Meadows on Saturday night.

Brendan Pursell and his ‘mentor’, Rob Britton, face-off for a $12,000 first prize.

Pursell rugs Tan And Black (Box 6), while Britton launches a dual challenge with Pearly Tears (Box 2) and Binny Doo (Box 5).

Pearly Tears was the fastest qualifier defeating Mepunga Robyn – trained by his brother, Jeff – by 3.8L in 34.63sec.

Meanwhile, Tan And Black accounted for Binny Doo by 1.1L in 34.69sec.

And Angela Langton – Jeff Britton’s partner – won a heat with Osprey Storm in 34.97sec.

“He (Tan And Black) hasn’t drawn too well out in the ‘green’ trap,” Pursell said.

“At his first two starts, he really came out well. However, he hasn’t ‘jumped’ since.

“He’s got into that habit and gets too far out of his ground. He’s got a ‘motor’, but he’ll need a bit of a jam up early to put himself into the race.”

Friendly rivalry: Robert Britton (left) and Brendan Pursell.

Tan And Black (Jun ’21 My Redeemer x Miss City Girl) – owned by the City Bowls syndicate, managed by Brian Parsons – has won five races, with four seconds and eight thirds, from 27 starts and $39,430 in prizemoney.

At his third race start, he finished runner-up to Al’s Entity in the Group 3 GRV Vic Bred Maiden final (525m) at The Meadows on 2023 Australian Cup Night.

Formerly based in Tasmania, Pursell crossed Bass Strait seven years ago to become a ‘master’s apprentice’ for doyen Rob Britton at a ‘dual’ training complex in Lara.

In October, Pursell purchased one of those properties he initially leased.

“Rob was the catalyst behind getting me going in Victoria,” Pursell said. “He has not only been a terrific mentor, he’s also a great bloke.”

Pursell added that he left the Apple Isle because he “just wanted a change” and “to better myself”.

“I got the chance to work for Rob and I jumped at it,” he said. “A lot of my success has been through him.”

Pursell, who “still works in together” with Britton, has trained greyhounds the ilk of Moraine Suzie, McInerney and Bronski Beat.

“In all seriousness, I’m happy when Rob’s winning races and he’s the same for me,” Pursell concluded.

WATCH: “Tan And Black too good.” TAN AND BLACK (B4) takes out his heat, notching his first middle distance win at The Meadows at his ninth attempt.