Country Cups double for Theodore, Trippin' and Hussler

Cranbourne trainer Stephen Theodore can be forgiven for requiring the driving services of fellow trainer Brett Scott to get home safely after winning the Bairnsdale and Benalla Cups within 20 minutes this afternoon.

Arrowfield-bred Road Trippin’ (Charge Forward-Road To Damascus by Flying Spur) lined up first, in the $50,000 Bairnsdale Cup (1600m) where he took the lead 700 metres from home and responded generously to Peter Mertens’ strong ride to prevail by a head and a length from Pro Tour and Clear For Action. 

Theodore purchased Road Trippin’ for $22,500 from the Bellerive Stud draft at the 2011 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale, and has prepared him to win five races, place in Group 2 company and earn more than $268,000 prizemoney for owners Chris Alsemgeest, Trevor Christian, Mathew Cox, Ken Fagan, Luke Galliott, Geoff Kemp, Trent Murphy, Hit The Line Racing and Frank & Shirley Welsford.

Road Trippin’s success is providing the stable with some consolation for the loss of his talented younger brother, 2YO stakeswinner Crack A Roadie, killed in an accident earlier this year. Theodore is also training the 2YO Manhattan Rain colt from Road To Damascus, who foaled an All American filly last month and has been served by Animal Kingdom.

Road Trippin’ and Crack A Roadie are among the seven Group performers from 25 runners bred on the Charge Forward/Flying Spur cross.

Flying Hussler’s victory in the $100,000 Benalla Gold Cup (2050m) was achieved in quite different fashion from his stablemate’s win, as he was sent to the front by Craig Newitt early in the race. The pair gave their rivals no chance either to relax or make up ground, and passed the winning post five lengths ahead of Precedence and Bianmick.

Theodore said of Flying Hussler, “On that win today, he might earn himself a run in the Cranbourne Cup next Sunday. He’s got remarkable recovery powers. I said to Craig I wish I was as fit and as tough and honest as him.”

Flying Hussler is by Hussonet from the Arrowfield-bred Flying Spur mare Paris Plaits and was a $30,000 purchase by Matthew Williams from Robyn Wise’s draft at the 2010 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale. He’s now returned more than $216,000 from 8 wins for his owners Stephen Allen, Lewis Bearman, Jacob Bonnett, Craig Crellin, Stevie Deacon, Andrew Harris, Neville Matthews, Matthew Scholten, and Greg Wilson. 

Acknowledgements to Racenet’s Brad Waters for Stephen Theodore’s post-race comments.