Happy Days As Ralph Makes Southern Stars

Sometimes you don't have to finish first to be winning.

Wagga trainer Clint Colaiacovo believes he and his dog Ralph are already winners for just making Friday's final of the $50,000-to-the-winner Ladbrokes Southern Stars (440m) at Goulburn.

FIELDS AND FORM GOULBURN FRIDAY

Ralph, an 89-start veteran, defied the odds when knocking off Group 2 Flying Amy Classic winner Dundee Smokey to win a Wagga heat of the rich country sprint series.

Colaiacovo, a 36-year-old trainer, says Friday's experience is all about the future and enjoying the moment.

✨ Ralph and Dundee Smokey are the final two greyhounds into the $50,000 to the winner @Ladbrokescomau Southern Stars after winning their heats at Wagga tonight! ✨

? Wagga Greyhound Club#thedogs #southernstars #greyhoundracing pic.twitter.com/15X8aNKVio

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) July 21, 2023

"This is the biggest race I've been in for sure. 100 per cent," Colaiacovo said.

"It's a great achievement for the dog and a big thrill for me to be involved.

"Making the final is a step in the right direction for myself and my partner Jess Fothergill. These are the sort of races we are aiming to compete in.

"You just have to be a part of it.

"We may not win this race but it might just help set us up for another big race in the future.

"I'm a believer that you are always learning and this is probably going to help us in the long run."

Race sponsor Ladbrokes has Ralph listed as the $21 outsider in the Southern Stars.

Ralph is named after Ralph Malph from the famous 1970s and 80s sitcom Happy Days.

The son of Fernando Bale, who's almost four, has won two of his past three starts at Wagga but he's still yet to win at Goulburn after four starts.

"It was good that he ran a PB in the heat and we're really looking forward to the experience of Friday's final," Colaiacovo said.

The G1-placed Dundee Smokey has surged his way into the final of the Ladbrokes Southern Stars with an impressive win at Wagga tonight.

He joins the Clint Colaiacovo-trained Ralph in next Friday's final at Goulburn.

Full Result: https://t.co/MM4CYAHwIX#thedogs pic.twitter.com/EcxQyfCSPZ

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) July 21, 2023

"We've got no expectations, rather just hoping he can run as well as he can."

The field for Friday's Southern Stars includes superstar bitch She's A Pearl, recent Group 1 winner Zipping Remus, exciting Victorian Big Daddy as well as proven top liners Zipping Orlando and Dundee Smokee.

"The quality of the dogs in the race is testament to the concept and the race that Greyhound Racing NSW has built in just two years," Colaiacovo said.