Head The Charge ‘The Real Deal' Says Azzopardi

ANTHONY Azzopardi has already mapped out an ambitious program for his hot youngster Head The Charge but believes a trip to Queensland could be the making of him as a race dog.

Head The Charge is a son of the Azzopardi-trained superstar Whiskey Riot and the Pam and Paul Braddon bitch Little Cindy.

He was super winning a 5th Grade over 425m at Bendigo on Friday scoring by almost nine lengths in 23.44.

“And the track was not that quick,” said Azzopardi of the Bendigo win.

Immediate plans for Head The Charge include a tilt at the Group 1 Silver Chief at The Meadows and then a trip to Queensland for Albion Park's summer carnival.

Leading the charge

HEAD THE CHARGE was just over two lengths off the Bendigo 425-metre track record in this dominant display.

Make sure this promising chaser with only seven starts in his career is in your Watchdog Blackbook ?#GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/MrvhdOzT1m

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) November 11, 2022

“He will target the Derby at Albion Park,” said Anthony. “His father did the same and while he did not win the Derby, it was the making of him as a race dog.”

Whiskey Riot came home and won the G1 Melbourne Cup and G1 Temlee and became one of the best in the land.

Azzopardi has linked with Pam and Paul Braddon with great success over the past few years.

“I actually tried to buy Head The Charge after I saw him win at Dubbo in 22.63,” he said.

“But, Pam wanted to keep him so they said I could train him.”

Azzopardi has trained such classy gallopers as Hurricane Rhino and Marbo's Magic for the Braddons.

“They are great breeders, fantastic rearers and superb trainers,” he said.

“Of course I was happy to have him in the kennel.”

Azzopardi raves about the potential of Head The Charge.

“He still doesn't know what this racing caper is all about,” he said. “Wait until he works it out.

“That will come with a trip away.”

In the meantime Azzopardi plans to give him a 450m race start and then another trial at The Meadows in preparation for the Silver Chief.

“He's been to The Meadows three times and three times he has trialled great,” he said. “Not over 500 metres yet, but there is no doubt he will run it.”