Anthony Azzopardi has poured more time into Coolabah Station than any dog he has ever trained.
“In all my years training, I’ve never spent this much time on a dog,” Azzopardi said.
Coolabah Station, a son of Aston Rupee and Legendary Lass, has always been a little different.
“He was the spooky one of the litter – lots of handling, lots of walks, lots of extra time,” Azzopardi explained.
That patience has been rewarded, with Coolabah Station qualifying for his first Group race in Saturday’s Group 3 Great Chase Final at The Meadows.
Coolabah Station qualifies for the Great Chase final at The Meadows from box six.
He was the second-fastest qualifier, clocking 29.61 seconds – less than a length behind Whiskey Whiskers. Drawn in box six again, Azzopardi is unfazed.
“Box six won’t worry him. I like him out there.”
Azzopardi believes Whiskey Whiskers is the only rival who can match Coolabah Station early.
“I don’t think he can go much quicker than that 29.60 mark,” he said.
Coolabah Station qualified for the Great Chase through Bendigo earlier this month, jumping straight to the lead and winning by four lengths in a best-of-the-night 27.87 seconds over the 500 metres – defeating pre-race favourite Zap Devere.
Coolabah Station wins his Great Chase heat at Bendigo from box 8.
“That’s been him in all his trials,” Azzopardi said.
The quirky chaser takes his name from Azzopardi’s favourite TV show, Keeping Up with the Joneses, which follows life on a remote Northern Territory cattle station.
The Great Chase is race eight on Saturday night’s card at The Meadows, jumping at 9.03pm.
“It would be very special if he happens to win this because it’s been a long ride, and we’re really proud,” Azzopardi said.
