After stints at Mildura and Bendigo, Colaiacovo has recently moved to Wagga for family and work reasons. But the better prizemoney on offer than down south has prompted him to increase his number of dogs in work from eight to 14.

He will have nine dogs racing at Friday's Wagga meeting, which will begin early at 9.45am to avoid scorching hot conditions later in the day.

"The industry here is going really well. They're pouring the money back into the infrastructure and tracks, and the prizemoney is really good," Colaiacovo said.

"There's never been a better time for new people to get into the game, because there's a good chance you can get money backl.

"You're racing in provincial areas for more than you race for in Victoria, and the second and third prizemoney is better too.

"That's what prompted me to get a few more dogs into work, otherwise I'd only have a small team.

"It's a good place for young dogs and to educate them."

Colaiacovo's Nippy Uno has drawn box four for Friday's feature race, the Ladbrokes Cash Out Final (320m), but he doesn't harbour many expectations against red hot favourite Tanami Express.

The Brian Smith-trained hotpot will start as almost unbackable favourite after breaking the track record in last week's heats with a brilliant 17.97 second victory.

"It had a phenomenal early split and it's run home time was too. It's a bulletproof dog and they're the type of dogs you dream of getting," Colaiacovo said.

Colaiacovo nominated Hurricane Ashy and Get On It as two of his better hopes in the Ian McKenzie Appreciation Maiden (400m), while Zharnel has also been racing consistently before the M Williams Painting and Decor Stakes (400m).

"We're looking for a bit of luck, there's no real standout that I'd be pinning my hopes on," he said.

All gate takings will be matched by the club before being donated to the bushfire appeal.

It will also be long-time bookmaker Ian McKenzie's final Wagga greyhound meeting, with the 11-race schedule set to be complete by 12.45pm.

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