Where To Next For Tornado Tears?

TRAINER Robert Britton has boldly declared his champion stayer Tornado Tears will end his form slump soon – on one key proviso.

"At the end of the day, it's clear to see he won't take a run on the inside if there's any chance he'll hit the rail on that top turn," Britton offered.

"He sliced himself open at The Meadows a while back and it's definitely affected his confidence – it's unbelievable how many times at his past 10 or so starts he's got to the leaders at that top turn. It's amazing really."

In Saturday night's Stayers Topgun (725m) at The Meadows, the four-time group 1 winner appeared to have the $75,000 to-the-winner invitation at his mercy when in a stalking position behind Rajasthan and Bago Bye Bye down the back straight.

But as was the case at his shock Geelong 680 metre defeat the start prior, the three-time track record holder baulked out of a run when it appeared to present, putting paid to his chances.

"I've got no doubt in my mind he can get back to winning form, providing he gets to the leaders anywhere but at that top turn," Britton added.

"It wouldn't worry me if he led or got to them in the last few strides but when he's motoring into the race into that top turn, he's almost trying to cut the corner before he's around the corner.

"When that happens and you've got three dogs in a line it's going to cause issues. The stewards report on Saturday night said he hit the rail again."

Winner at 29 of his 50 career starts and placed on nine occasions, the son of Fernando Bale boasts $771,000 in stake earnings.

Only Fanta Bale, also trained by Britton, and Sweet It Is, are stayers to have earned more prize money.

Over the weekend, social media condemnation of Tornado Tears' recent form reached a vitriolic level, a situation Britton says he takes in his stride.

"They haven't missed him have they?" Britton added.

"Look, he's not winning but the ability is still there. Along with Boom Down, he's the strongest stayer in the country and lately nothing has worked out for him in his races. I'm confident he can turn it around.

"I'm just hoping next start he can get to the leaders anywhere but at that top turn. It wouldn't bother me if it was in the last 20 metres, just not where he has been."

If a race presents, Britton will put Tornado Tears through his paces at Geelong this Friday night in a 680 metre pipe-opener to next week's Group 1 Bold Trease heats at Sandown.

"I've got no doubt he can win a race like the Bold Trease; it's just about the race being run to suit," Britton added.

"I see no reason for him to stop racing and the owners agree; he's more than up to winning further big races."

What is beyond Britton's scope is that if Tornado Tears continues to fail to perform to the expectation of stewards – he's been placed only once at his past four outings when an odds on favourite and started the punters' elect in 44 of 50 career starts – his hand may be forced.

Neds currently have Tornado Tears a $4.20 all-in favourite for the Group 1 Bold Trease ahead of Bago Bye Bye, Blue Moon Rising and Boom Down at $6.50 apiece.