Prior to Thursday night, Rob Britton and team owned one slot for the $530,000 Launching Pad series.
With promising brothers Trapper Tears and Trooper Tears both running in fine form, a tough decision was to be made regarding who to send to next week’s Heats.
The problem was short-lived. Trapper Tears set Sandown Park alight on Thursday night, taking out the Launching Pad Qualifier Final and gaining an extra slot for the Britton’s.
As Trooper Tears and Never Be Alone battled for the lead at the first corner, they left the rail wide open for Trapper Tears who took full advantage and burst away to win in a best-of-night 29.16s.
Trooper Tears recovered well and followed his brother home for second place.
Tim Britton was over-the-moon as their Launching Pad chances doubled in size and strength.
“The plan worked out perfectly,” said Britton.
“They’ll both be in the Heats next week. We’re very excited.”
Trooper Tears was the fastest Heat winner for the Qualifier series, winning in 29.29s on Sunday evening.
Up until Thursday night, Trapper Tears had been living in his brother’s shadow.
“Going into the night, all the talk was about Trooper Tears being the gun in the litter.
“Trapper Tears looked like he was going to be a stronger staying dog but he’s put in two really quick runs now and it looks like he’s going to be a pretty hander sprinter as well.”
When asked who he thought was faster out of the two, Britton couldn’t pick between them.
“It’s too hard to choose – they’re both guns. If I had to pick one I’d probably say Trapper Tears if he gets out of the boxes well. They’re both improving every run so it’s hard to tell.”
A good problem to have, indeed.
The Launching Pad series begins next week on Thursday March 23 with eight Heats.
The Final will run on Thursday April 6. Enjoy the evening with a Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran tribute show. There will be a punters club on the evening, as well as a new pool table and FIFA on the PS5 – both free to play.
Click here for Launching Pad information
Click here for last night’s results
Trapper Tears (2) wins the Launching Pad Qualifier Final in 29.16s
