Looming Black Top The Goal For Big Daddy

TRAINER Anthony Azzopardi has earmarked the Group 2 Black Top (515m) as the next feature race target for his star sprinter Big Daddy.

A last start winner of the rich Southern Stars at Goulburn, Big Daddy is set to line-up at The Meadows on Nationals night before Azzopardi turns his attention to the flagship Newcastle feature.

"He had a little setback after Goulburn which set me back a couple of weeks with him," Azzopardi said.

"I trialled him at Sandown and he didn't go as well as I'd hoped but found he'd strained his metacarpal. 

"He's had a couple of slips up the straight at home since and has gone great so the aim is to be in Nationals night at The Meadows (August 26).

"His owners will be over from New Zealand that night so to have him and (Jason Thompson's) Postman Pat (in the National Sprint Final) going around will be great for them."

We're wild about daddy cool!

Big Daddy takes the @ladbrokescomau Southern Stars ✨ Final to Victoria, with a scorching 24.52 win from Screaming Jet and Royal Nangar.

Full Results: https://t.co/GBzTXQvyz9#thedogs #southernstars @GRV_News @WatchDogRacing @goulburngrc pic.twitter.com/fn2i4INkk7

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) July 28, 2023

Big Daddy's assignment at The Meadows will roll into a trial at The Gardens on September 8 before contesting the heats of the Black Top on September 15.

Azzopardi is no stranger to Black Top success, winning the race in 2015 with Uno Suzie.

"I'll more than likely bring up Big Daddy, Head The Charge, Packham Prince and Adhana Rico all things being equal," the trainer said.

"The plan is to bring dogs suited to The Gardens and they fit the bill, Big Daddy and Head The Charge should smash the five (seconds) early. 

"But it's never a walk in the park, The Black Top, it's always a very strong series and tough race to win."

Adding further attraction to The Black Top is the fact that the first three across the line in the final earn a place in the semi-finals of the Million Dollar Chase at Wentworth Park in October.

"Great incentive," Azzopardi said.