The Betfair King of the Bush Series headed to Sale and Warrnambool on Sunday and both legs were chock-full of interest.

At Sale, Cranbourne trainer Shane Stockdale took out Leg 4 when his four-year old Tuerong Flyer scored on protest.  Law And Order was first past the post but the head margin wasn’t enough to off-set the hip-and-shoulder he gave Tuerong Flyer at the furlong.

Stockdale was pleased with the result and will be keen to get his hands on the $25,000 bonus.  “It’s a great initiative by Betfair to put up the bonus for the Series winner,” he said.  “At first, I just entered the horse at Sale because it was a nice fit.  But with the bonus on offer I might have to alter his program and chase another leg with him.”

Stockdale also trains Kwassa Kwassa (Distant Music) who won juvenile events at Moonee Valley and Flemington last season.  He is back on work and ready for a return to racing in December.

Meanwhile, former top apprentice Sebastian Murphy continued his winning comeback when guiding Bulldog of Bergen to victory in Leg 5 at Warrnambool.

After hitting the front at the top of the straight, Bulldog of Bergen defied all challengers to score by just under two lengths lumping 59kg.  Trainer Damien Hunter, who prepares a small team at Ballarat, was thrilled with the win.  “He cost $15,000 at the Adelaide Magic Millions and is showing plenty of promise,” Hunter said.  “The $25K will come in handy but we need to win another race on Cup day.”

The Betfair King of The Bush Series will conclude with legs 6,7 and 8 on Melbourne Cup day at Echuca, Mildura and Wangaratta with $25,000 going to the leading trainer of the series.  At the moment, the man everyone has to catch is Con Kelly who leads on 17 points.