All roads lead to the Million Dollar Chase for Big Daddy after he burst out of the shadow of fellow Kiwi import Postman Pat with a runaway victory in the rich Southern Stars Final (440m) at Goulburn.

Big Daddy and Postman Pat, which are both owned by Donald and Jose Arthur, ‘crossed the ditch’ in late March, heading to star trainers Anthony Azzopardi and Jason Thompson respectively.

Postman Pat, a blistering 29.60sec winner at The Meadows on Saturday night, made an immediate impact, winning his first seven starts in Australia, his only defeat to date coming when runner-up in the G1 Brisbane Cup.

In contrast, Big Daddy, a November ’20 son of Fernando Bale and Rosa Tee, was beaten at his first two starts for Azzopardi, but has now won four of his next five, culminating with victory in Friday afternoon’s second running of the $50,000 to-the-winner Southern Stars.

“He didn’t have the best of luck in his first couple of starts, but he’s shown people what he’s made of now!”

“Really satisfying,” said Azzopardi.

“He’s always shown me a lot of ability, but he’s just taken a little while to adapt.

“Big Daddy and Postman Pat are both great dogs. It’s a big thrill for their owners and for Tony Hart, who trained them in New Zealand. I’m just rapt I won the race for them.

“You always feel pressure when a nice dog comes to your kennel. Everyone is watching them, but I’ve been in the game long enough to put that behind me.

“He probably didn’t have the best of luck in his first couple of starts (in Australia) but he’s shown people what he’s made of now!”

WATCH: “Big Daddy lights up Lilac City.” BIG DADDY (9) came off the reserves bench to win the Southern Stars (440m) at Goulburn last Friday, clocking a sizzling BOD 24.52sec.

Azzopardi experienced mixed emotions in a dramatic lead-up to the Southern Stars, with first reserve Big Daddy only securing a start after the Rowsley mentor had to scratch likely favourite Salad Dodger due to injury.

Moving into box two, Big Daddy was a heavily supported $3.30 second elect, behind $2.80 favourite Zipping Remus (box 8), with champion She’s A Pearl (box 3) $4.80.

After winning an early speed battle with fellow Vic Dundee Smokey ($26), Big Daddy quickly opened up a decisive lead, racing to a commanding 2.75L victory over Screaming Jet ($4.60) in a BOD 24.52sec, his 13th win from 21 starts.

“I was confident after last week’s run,” Azzopardi said.

“That was the box he needed and I knew he could get underneath Zipping Remus this time.

“On Tuesday morning he went like a bomb at my place! He set the track alight, and I was just shaking my head.

“It was very stressful because I knew going home from Temora that Salad Dodger was injured. We gave him his chance and worked on it and worked on it. I took him to Des Fegan (veterinarian) on Tuesday to get the final word, but unfortunately, I knew what it was going to be.

“I’m pumped to win the race, but I feel very sorry for Salad Dodger’s owner (Aiden Lee). I’m lucky I’ve got a great owner that understands.”

Big Daddy’s future feature targets are also likely to be in Azzopardi’s home state of NSW, with the Million Dollar Chase and G2 Black Top at the top of his wish list.

“It’s full steam ahead to the Million Dollar Chase, but if he keeps beginning like he did at Goulburn he’ll be hard to beat in whatever we put him in.”

As he savoured Victoria’s first victory in the Southern Stars, Azzopardi revealed he had a secret weapon in the form of Big Daddy’s travelling companion, 2019 Melbourne Cup victor Whiskey Riot.

“I don’t like giving away my secrets,” Azzopardi grinned.

“When I was loading up the van, Whiskey Riot looked up and was saying ‘What about me’, so I said ‘Righto’!

“I’ve got to thank Darren Puleio for arranging for me to get Big Daddy, but I’m a bit surprised he helped me out after Whiskey Riot beat Darren’s dog Hooked On Scotch (sire of Postman Pat) in the Melbourne Cup Final!” he added with a chuckle.