David Cox’s runner is the only Wagga-trained greyhound in the race.

He’s out to beat some of the best sprinters from across NSW and Victoria.

Heza Saint caused a surprise when he took out one of the four heats on Sunday night.

Cox is hopeful he can do it once more, but admits it will be a tough ask.

“He did a good good to qualify and I’m thinking of running him in blinkers actually so he doesn’t go into shock when he sees the dogs he’s racing,” Cox joked.

But in all seriousness Cox was pleased with his efforts in the heat.

Heza Saint started well from box three to sit just off the speed before railing hard to go past Flying Mikayla as the line approached.

He then held off a late challenge by Little Cindy to win by just under one length.

Cox is thrilled to be part of the race. 

“It was great to qualify,” Cox said.

“It is the idea everyone had and I was cheering him on hoping he’d come second, but he snuck along and got there.

“There was only a couple of lengths over all the winners but he will need a lot of but he doesn’t from out in seven.”

Cox doesn’t believe his chances haven’t been helped by the box draw.

He doesn’t think the wide alley suits and would have preferred to have drawn inside the first three.

“He’s drawn on the wrong side of the track,” Cox said.

“He’s a slow beginner and sort of has to muster speed.

“He’ll need a lot of luck.

“The first three is his go as he can pop onto the rail and normally keeps grinding away.”

Cox has a strong family connection with the greyhound.

He trained his mother, Patty Cake, and Heza Saint has already done something she couldn’t – qualify for the cup final.

Patty Cake took out the consolation of the cup in successive seasons, but failed earn a place in the big dance.

Heza Saint started his career with Nigel Smith before finding his way to Cox’s kennel.

Cox believes he’s more than a welcome addition.

“He’s a beautiful dog around the home and will make a lovely some day,” he said.

“He’s very relaxed and you wouldn’t know he’s there.

“He is good in a field, he can work his way through the field and has good field sense.

“He’s probably lacking that little bit of ability but he has done a good job.”

While he’s flying the flag with Riverina greyhounds, Cox isn’t feeling too much of the pressure.

“He's the only local left so I hope I does them proud,” he said.