Anthony Azzopardi was bitterly disappointed when forced to scratch favourite Salad Dodger from Friday’s afternoon’s lucrative Southern Stars Final (440m) at Goulburn.

However, the blow was eased significantly by the fact the Rowsley mentor also trains first reserve, exciting New Zealand import Big Daddy.

Salad Dodger was the fastest qualifier from Temora’s heats of the Southern Stars series and the six-time Group finalist then drew perfectly in box two for Friday’s $50,000 to-the-winner final (race 9, 3.09pm).

“He pulled up a bit lame after his run at Temora,” Azzopardi explained.

“I did my best to get him right, but I just couldn’t get him there. He’s got a tear in his chest and also injured a ligament in his shoulder.

“Big Daddy is an unbelievably fast dog and if he gets box two, he’s a massive chance.”

“He’d finally drawn a box too; that’s what’s killing me. This was his chance to win a big race.

“I’ve still got a runner, but I would’ve been more confident with Salad Dodger, because he’s a reliable beginner and he’s just a gem of a dog. He knows how to win – he’s won his last five in a row.”

Big Daddy, winner of 12 from 20, relocated to Australia at the same time as G1 Brisbane Cup runner-up Postman Pat, which is trained by Jason Thompson.

A November ’20 son of Fernando Bale, Big Daddy hasn’t missed a place in six starts since crossing ‘the ditch’, winning three straight before finishing second to G1 Vic Peters Classic winner Zipping Remus in last Friday’s Goulburn heats of the Southern Stars.

Big Daddy was beaten just 1.5 lengths in a near-record 24.26sec, running quicker time than the other two heat winners in defeat.

WATCH: “It’s all Big Daddy!” NZ import BIG DADDY (B8) tuned up for his tilt at the Southern Stars series with a runaway 9L BON 25.20sec victory at Ballarat on July 5.

“He’s an unbelievably fast dog and if he gets box two, he’s a massive chance,” Azzopardi said.

“I’ve just taken my time with him, but he’s a special animal.

“He’s usually a very good beginner, but at his first run for me at Sandown he hit his head on the lids, and he’s been a bit shy in the boxes since then.

“Last week at Goulburn was the best he’s begun since I’ve had him. It was a very encouraging run. I’m hoping he can begin like that again on Friday.

“He had trialled at Goulburn before the heats and while he trialled good, he did get a bit lost. He took a lot of improvement out of his trial, and he’s had another look, so hopefully that’s enough.”

After being elevated into the Southern Stars field, Big Daddy is the $3.90 second elect, with NSW superstar She’s A Pearl (box 3) favourite at $3.40.

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“If there’s not another scratching and he stays in ‘the checks’, he can win the race,” Azzopardi said.

“I’ve got a fast dog that’s well-drawn, but it’s a hot field. Zipping Remus is going enormous, Zipping Orlando was a huge run last week, and you can’t forget She’s A Pearl. She’s a champion.

“I think it’s exciting for greyhound racing to see these dogs coming out from New Zealand. Great people own him, and I speak to his trainer from New Zealand, Tony Hart, every week. We get on like a house on fire. I just hope I can pull it off for them.”

Big Daddy is one of two Victorians chasing the bumper Southern Stars purse, with Geoff Scott-Smith’s G1 Harrison-Dawson placegetter Dundee Smokey (box 7) an $8 chance.

Dundee Smokey qualified with a BON 22.71sec heat victory at Wagga.

Victoria also had two finalists in last year’s inaugural Southern Stars, with favourite Paua Of Buddy running third and Robbie Rotten seventh.