Anthony Azzopardi trains Geelong double with Salad Dodger & NZ import Big Daddy
Salad Dodger stepped out for his 50th start at Geelong on Friday and showcased his blistering speed and turn of foot to notch up his 20th victory.
On his third look at the Geelong 460m, he started as race favourite at -125 with online bookmakers.
Bursting from the boxes, he hit the lead, and extended in the run to the line, beating home Westar Commander and Fabs Udon, to make it three wins on the trot.
Geelong 3rd/4th Grade 460m June 30 2023 – Salad Dodger (25.65) T: Anthony Azzopardi
The Whiskey Riot x Winsome Sandy chaser also slashed his personal best time over the track and distance, previously 25.73; saluting in 25.65.
Trained by Anthony Azzopardi he has banked $136,305 for connections and has 16 placings to go with his 20 wins.
He continues to search for his first group race success having previously been twice placed in Group 3 finals, and was runner up to Typhoon Sammy in the 2022 Group 2 Bendigo Cup.
Trainer Azzopardi, made it a double for the card with Kiwi-import Big Daddy, starting at -303.03 in markets, saluting in his first look at the Geelong 460m.
He beat home the Danny Gibbons trained Kairi Bale by 4.75 lengths in a time of 25.79.
Geelong 5th Grade 460m June 30 2023 – Big Daddy (25.79) T: Anthony Azzopardi
Big Daddy has impressed since arriving on Australian shores with fellow former New Zealand kennelmate Postman Pat in March, who is trained by Jason Thompson.
Similar to his high-flying kennelmate, Big Daddy knows how to impress, with four of his 11 career race wins being by more than seven lengths.
Testament to the dogs ability, in his second race start he won over the 295m dash in Christchurch by 13.5 lengths.
The Fernando Bale x Rosa Tee dog is building a solid form line with 11 wins and four placings from 18 starts, and has now had four starts in Australia for two wins, a second and a third.