Salad Dodger Eyes Temora Cup Redemption

THERE'S no dog in training more deserving of a group race title than grand campaigner Salad Dodger.

In a career that's netted 27 wins from 64 starts and $166,815 in prize money, eluding the Anthony Azzopardi-trained son of Whiskey Riot is a group race breakthrough.

The prolific winning sprinter has qualified for no less than eight group race finals since his debut, finishing in the minor end of the prize in four of those.

FIELDS AND FORM TEMORA SUNDAY

That includes a runner-up performance in last year's Temora Cup Final behind the great She's A Pearl, winner of the past two editions of the flagship event.

But with She's A Pearl now basking in retirement and motherhood, Azzopardi returns to Temora on Sunday hoping Salad Dodger can land that elusive and deserved group race title.

"He really does deserve a big race – he's been so close so many times," Azzopardi said.

???? She's A Pearl turns the tables on Salad Dodger and breaks the 457m track record at @Temoragreys – and it's back-to-back Cups for the champ! ????

She went straight to the lead in her sizzling 25.38 victory, breaking the record set by Salad Dodger (25.42) just a week prior.… pic.twitter.com/2EpWsJhStu

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) March 12, 2023

"It always takes a good dog to beat him but he's never far away always giving his all.

"I'd say he's probably a length off where he was this time last year but he's definitely going good enough to win it. He goes well at Temora so hopefully we can qualify for another final on Sunday."

Azzopardi will also tackle the Temora Cup with exciting youngster Tattooed, winner at seven of his first 14 starts.

"He's improving all the time – I really like him," Azzopardi said.

"It's a bit of an ask up to this class so early but the experience will do him the world of good and his trials are getting better and better."

Leading NSW trainer Andy Lord has won the past three Temora Cups and goes into the 2024 series with a string of leading chances including Bulli Cup hero Nangar Larry and gifted speedster Bandit Bluey.

The four Temora Cup heats will be run and won on Sunday night to decide which eight greyhounds take their place in next week's $40,000-to-the-winner decider.

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WENTWORTH PARK SATURDAY NIGHT

BEST BET

(R8 No. 2) QUANTIFIABLE

Returned to winning form last start and with a brilliant Wentworth Park record behind her looks perfectly placed to make it win number 10 at the Glebe circuit.

BEST VALUE

(R9 No. 4) WEFFALEE SHIELD

Yet to trouble the scorer in six city starts but is a classy 24-time winner which has been tackling much harder assignments. If he runs up to recent efforts will give a big sight.

Greyhound Recorder Ratings BEST BET

(R5 No. 8) FIRST LADY

No joy in a Group 2 Richmond Oaks heat last time out but should bounce straight back into the winners' circle in this suitable grade 5 affair from a box she can handle.

Early Quaddie

Race 1: 1,7 Race 2: 4,7
Race 3: 1,2 Race 4: 4,6

Cost: 1 unit $16

Quaddie

Race 5: 1,8 Race 6: 3,4
Race 7: 2,6 Race 8: 1,2

Cost: 1 unit $16

RUNNING HOT

(R10 No. 2) SPRING GENERAL

Richmond, Friday night

Enjoyed a sensational start to his career and heads into this fifth grade series three from three at the track and distance. Drawn to go on with it here.

SMART MONEY

(R8 No.2) FERNANDO DIVA

Casino, Friday

Tackles a red hot field of female sprinters but is right up to the task. Slashing last start Grafton wins and absolutely loves racing at Casino.

WELL GRADED

(Race 10 No. 6) STYLISH ROBBO

The Gardens, Friday

Eyeing six on the trot following a brilliant stretch of form at The Gardens. Looks set to continue that remarkable run in this 4/5th grade affair for Rachael Maguire.

RACING AROUND

Friday: Richmond, The Gardens, Casino, Wagga
Saturday: The Gardens, Wentworth Park, Gosford, Dubbo
Sunday: Grafton, Richmond, Temora
Monday: Nowra, Richmond, Maitland
Tuesday: Gosford, Grafton, Bulli, Richmond Straight
Wednesday: Temora, Richmond, Muswellbrook
Thursday: Dapto, Casino, Gunnedah