The bitch I seen in norfolk was as you said treated like a lurcher, she marked, bushed etc.
Really was a pleasure to see her work, I seen her take squatters out her seat and pick them up on the run. Even seen her catch a partridge on the lamp. She apparently took all game but we only saw rabbit and hare that week and she was outstanding on both.
J.dog, take the chance mate. Plenty of people use whippets, salukis and hybrids of running dogs so I'm sure you'll have no problem.