Tornado Tears silenced any doubters on Saturday night at The Meadows when he went within .03 lengths of the track record two starts back from a five-month injury induced spell.

The 41.93 second track record was held by his uncle, Space Star, who was also trained by Robert Britton.

Tornado Tears stopped the clock at 41.96 seconds over the 725 metre distance, the same distance he claimed the invitational Group 1 Zoom Top upon his return to the track a fortnight ago.

“I am so pleased to have him back to his best,” trainer Robert Britton said.

There had been question marks about Tornado Tears race fitness heading into the Zoom Top and the Fanta Bale Super Stayer heat which were quickly dismissed with two performances that only Tornado Tears could produce.

“I am in awe of what this greyhound has been able to do since returning to the track. He was his normal self the day after his run, which is whereas dogs would usually be flat if they weren’t handling it,” Britton said.

“His race fitness is not an issue and even though he has had five months off I believe he is at his peak.”

Tornado Tears is undefeated in four starts over the 725-metre distance at The Meadows, two of which have been at Group level.

A win in Saturday night’s Group 1 $100,000 to-the-winner Super Stayers will see his current unbeaten winning streak jump to a career-high nine consecutive victories.

“He has a horror draw and it isn’t because of box five,” Britton said.

“The box isn’t the issue, it’s where he is placed. Black Impala (4) is the fastest greyhound early in the race and he likes to drift off a little.”

“I think Tornado Tears will find himself in an unfamiliar position in the race which will mean he will potentially have to be running down greyhounds in front which makes the Super Stayers a real test for him.”

The Super Stayers was recently crowned the Fanta Bale Super Stayers, after the great Fanta Bale who retired almost a year ago as one of the most versatile and honest greyhounds of all time. Fanta Bale was the only greyhound to record Group 1 victories over the sprint, middle and staying distances and retired as Australia’s all-time highest prize money earner with $1.3 million to her name.

A win for Tornado Tears in the Group 1 Super Stayers will mean consecutive Super Stayer wins for Britton after Fanta Bale claimed the honours last year.

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