Causing an upset, the Cherryl Bradley-trained dog was able to dictate terms from the front.

Ludwig ($7.90) finished runner-up in his last two starts, including in the heat of the series earlier this month, but was the first dog out of the boxes when it mattered most.

Leading all the way, Ludwig powered around the final turn to defeat Country Doll ($4.30) by two lengths in the slick time of 22.79 seconds.

Just outside the track record of 22.74, Bradley thought his improved manners at the start made all the difference.

“In that race, one of the best 400 metre fields you will see in the country, the start was the key,” Bradley said.

The Temora trainer was honoured to take out the second feature on Wagga’s biggest night, after enjoying a long association with the Pertzel family.

“It’s really good as I’ve known the Pertzels for a long time – even since I was a little skidder,” she said.

“I sort of grew up racing with them.”

Pre-race favourite Country Gun ($2.60) missed the start and after getting a long way back finished off well for fifth.

Wagga trainer Peter Dooner won the Blue Paws Final (400m) with I’ve Gotta Sting.