Anthony Azzopardi enjoyed a successful road trip to the Northern Rivers thanks to Jack Kade – and he is already targeting another of the region’s major titles.
The son of Collision and Neat Irish (pictured with Azzopardi) continued his western Sydney mentor’s excellent run of recent form by taking out Friday night's $25,000 Group 3 Charcoal Inn Casino Cup (484m).
Jack Kade produced a dominant run in the decider to claim a first Group victory in his 66th race.
Azzopardi said he will now prepare Jack Kade, recent two-time Group winner Uno Suzie. Let It Develop and Adam Handler for the forthcoming heats of the $40,000-to-the-winner Group 2 Lismore Workers Club Cup (520m).
“I always wanted to win the Lismore Cup,” Azzopardi said. “Who knows - maybe this year Jack Kade can do it.
“I planned this race for him about eight weeks ago. Casino is a track where you need early pace and I just thought it would suit him.
“I have to give him all the credit. He’s covered a lot of miles with me – and now’s he’s got a big win.”
Jumping from box eight as the $2.60 favourite, Jack Kade powered home by just under a length from the fast-finishing Pikelet ($13.10).
Waikarie Magic ($19.60) produced a super run for Wardell’s Brian Baker to secure third place.
The win extended Jack Kade's record to 24 wins and 14 minor placings from 66 starts.
He is back in action at Wentworth Park this Wednesday in a high-quality Free-For-All (race eight).
For Wentworth Park Wednesday fields and form, click here.
Mincin’ Machine, trained by Tregeagle’s Pat Lavis, was well-fancied but missed the start from box five and eventually finished seventh.
Lavis’s greyhound should be a strong contender for the Lismore Cup, which starts with heats on Friday, October 16.
Azzopardi, who has scored a swag of recent victories as well as Jack Kade and Uno Suzie’s triumphs, said he was delighted the long trip north had been productive.
“Training greyhounds is a seven day a week job,” he said. “Everyone is working hard, so when you get a win like this it makes it all worthwhile.
“At the end of the day you just want your greyhounds happy and healthy, but certainly a win like this takes the weight off your shoulders.
“Casino is a great country track and the people there do a fantastic job. I love coming up here and catching up with friends here.
“It’s something special to have a road trip and get the win.”
Meanwhile, racing continues in the Northern Rivers at Lismore on Tuesday.
Top picks for the night include Vincent (race four), Laverne in race seven and Kingsbrae Bess in race eight.
For Lismore Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
