By Isaac Murphy
Robert Britton says he has no doubt that Rippin’ Sam can upset kennel mate Tornado Tears in tonight's Superstayers Invitational at Albion Park.
The Victorian trainer boldly declared Rippin’ Sam has the ability to turn the tables on last week’s record-breaking Group 1 Gold Cup Winner.
The Superstayers Invitational is a four dog race featuring Jalapeno for Tony Apap (Box 1), Rippin’ Sam (Box 3), Tornado Tears (Box 5), for Robert Britton and Champagne Sally (Box 7) for Raymond Burman.
Tornado Tears won last week’s Gold Cup by four lengths over Jalapeno in second, closely followed by Rippin’ Sam, but Britton believes the four-dog format firmly suits Rippin’ Sam, and singled out Champagne Sally as a potential wildcard.
“Tornado Tears is the pin up boy at the moment,” Britton said.
“But in a four dog field I’m positive Rippin’ Sam won’t get as far back, he’ll get a crack at them at some stage.”
Britton said before last week’s race he couldn’t split the kennel mates and reiterated his thoughts approaching Thursday night.
“I still can’t really split them,” he said.
“I’ve looked at the replay of the race a number of times from last week and at the 600 boxes Rippin’ Sam was absolutely motoring and just got a check at the wrong time.”
“Champagne Sally adds a different dimension to the race, she’s got some pace and from out wide she’ll probably come across, so we’ll have to see how that plays out.”
Britton thanked Churchable trainer Steve Scott, who has housed his team at his Churchable property since arriving in Queensland.
“I’ve just gone over the dogs and they’re all in really good order, taking them home and bringing them back on another flight is not ideal so I’m much happier doing it this way,” Britton said.
Tornado Tears and Rippin’ Sam are set to return with their trainer to Victoria after this week, but former Britton runners, Gold Cup contestant Benali and last-start Albion Park winner Not Available, will temporarily join the Steve Scott kennel with an eye to the Winter Cup.
Britton said he’d had a long history training for the Scott family and was more than comfortable leaving the dogs in their care.
“Steve will take over the reins until they come home,” he said.
“I trained for Steve and his family for a number of years and over that period of time witnessed how well they treat their dogs.”