Tornado Tears has quickly announced himself as one of the country’s fastest greyhounds and will get his chance to prove it at Speed Star.
His most recent start on Anzac Day Eve was breathtaking, he led all of the way to set a time of 33.919 over 595m. It backed up his stunning staying debut three weeks earlier in a flying 41.204 over 715m, just half a length off Miata’s long standing track record.
Those times have him at the top of both the Racecallers (595m) and Lizrene (715m) standings.There’s been great debate on what distance he will compete over, our Facebook poll resulted in 66% of voters favouring the 715m Lizrene event.
However, trainer Rob Britton says his intention is to set Tornado Tears for the Racecallers (595m).
“At this stage I’m leaning towards the 595m. Simple reason being I don’t really want to put him over 715m until the Sandown Cup. I want to get some miles into his legs before he gets there, he’ll be better conditioned compared to when he debuted over the distance,” revealed Britton.
Tornado Tears joined the kennel in February and has delivered on what he promised in the early stages of his career in his home state of New South Wales. Britton hopes he can maintain the early speed that he’s shown in his last two outings.
“He’s always been a dog with a big motor but in his last two he’s really timed the start, that’s been the big difference. We’re hoping it’s not a fluke and that he continues to do it.”
Last start group 1 Sky Racing Galaxy winner Rippin’ Sam sits 2nd behind his litter brother on the Lizrene (715m) standings. He will also head to Speed Star however won’t be a chance of meeting his brother in a match race.
“Yes, he’ll be there. He’ll be better suited over 715m.”
Tornado Tears and Rippin’ Sam headline Britton’s attack on Speed Star but they will not be alone.
“Saint David is under a slight injury cloud at the moment but if he’s fit we’ll go for it. Benali is suited to the format and we intend to trial him over 595m, with the Sandown Cup in mind as well.”
Speed Star will be run on Thursday 10 May and will see 40 greyhounds contest 20 match races with almost $200,000 in prize money up for grabs.
Riveting, Hit The Highway, Rockoon, Hasten Slowly and Extreme Magic will trial between races tomorrow with hope to make an impact on the standings. Interstate greyhounds Honcho Monelli, Ashom Monelli, Zudactyl Monelli, Jeebus Bird and Simon Keeping are set to trial on Thursday night.
Click here for latest standings and trials booked
