Britton kennelmates lead Sandown Cup markets

Rippin' Sam is a key market elect heading into next Thursday's Cup. PIC: Paul Munt.

CHAMPION trainer Rob Britton is taking a strong pairing into another major race as and Rippin' Sam heading the markets for next month's Group 1 Sandown Cup (715m).

The Britton pair, which are both out of Ferando Bale and , sit one-two in the market.

Tornado Tears is the $2.60 favourite at Ladbrokes to win the $175,000 feature, while the kennelmate Rippin' Sam is on the second line of betting at the $3 mark.

Both chasers are looking to atone following disappointing last-start outings in races.

Britton will be hoping that a rise in distance will be the tonic for Tornado Tears to get his name on the winner's list after a fifth placed finish in the Group 2 Pad (515m) on March 29.

While Tornado Tears was a $17 outsider on that occassion, Rippin' Sam under-performed as a short-priced favourite in his last-start at the top level.

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Rippin' Sam is back in group company after his flat performance in the Group 1 Association Cup (720m), finishing second behind Simon Keeping as an even-money favourite.

Rippin' Sam's conqueror Simon Keeping ($6) is on third line of betting at Sportsbet to win a second Group 1 crown in 2018.

The win was owner and breeder 's first victory at the highest level, and he told Australian Racing Greyhound following the success that he has always been chasing a top-tier victory.

“I was confident – I gave him a real good hope tonight and when he flew past Rippin' Sam and Ebby Ripper coming to the 500m boxes I thought he had it,” Stiff said.

“It's unbelievable. I've had dogs for 49 years and we have been striving all that time to win a group 1 – so to actually get one is a massive thrill.”

The Group 1 will be run and won on Thursday, May 24.