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.
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.
"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.
