Gatt Sets The Standard In Laurie Healion Memorial Maiden
Thirlmere trainer Mark Gatt set the Unitbet Gardens track alight last Saturday night with his newest Sensation; Ritza Hattie.
Stepping out in heat three of the Group Three Laurie Healion Memorial Maiden, worth a cool $25,000 to the winner, the daughter of Bombastic Shiraz and Gatt's highly successful broodbitch; Midnight Flare, clocked a scorching 29.41, easily securing time honours for the night.
The Hunter Valley's richest maiden series attracted some of New South Wales most regally bred youngsters, from the kennels of our Countries greatest trainers.
After suffering defeat on debut at the hands of her litter brother, Ritza Liam, Ritza Hattie was never headed in her 11 length win that included a blistering 12.16 run home that certainly gave her trainer plenty of reasons to smile.
‘She was a certainty beaten in her first start and then missed out on a draw at Bulli so I thought I would give her a go at this race. I honestly thought after what she trialled she would run around 29.6, so I was really happy with how she went and I think she has some improvement in her as well' said Gatt.
As every greyhound enthusiast knows, the all-important box draw plays a critical part in the results of races. Unfortunately for Gatt, both Ritza Hattie and Ritza Danny have come up with box five and six in their respective semi-finals to be conducted this Friday afternoon.
As Gatt explained, his sensational broodbitch, Midnight Flare, has delivered once again on the breeding front with multiple prospects to fly the flag for Oaks Road Lodge.
‘Shes been fantastic. Every litter she has thrown something but this litter every dog has broken in city class. I'm a huge fan of Bombastic Shiraz and the mating has just clicked really well'.
Midnight Flare's talented offspring includes; multiple Group winner Ritza Ryder, Group One Futurity finalist Ritza Elsie and the extremely gifted Ritza Rita, who unfortunately broke down early on in her career after 5 wins from just 10 starts.
Gatt's other semi-finalist Ritza Danny, ran a gallant second behind Jason Mackay's talented youngster; Zipping Summah, in a flying 29.67 all the way display from box eight. Coming up with box two in this week's semi-final, should see the daughter of Goodesy and Sirocco Lass use her handy early speed to perfection. Mackay's other success came in heat six when another talented Or Catra offspring, Zipping Joe, clocked a fast 29.81 on debut.
Other notable heat winners included; Lochinvar Impala trained by Robert Smith for the Gordon Family. The son of Where's Pedro and Adhara Shine, clocked a speedy 29.70 in nudging out another Mackay qualifier in Zipping Venus. Beau Hedley unveiled his latest prodigies in the final two heats of the night with; Avondale Charm and Avondale Tara both impressive in taking out their heats clocking 29.76 and 29.88 respectively.
Four outstanding semi-finals will be conducted at Unitbet Gardens this Friday afternoon, with the winner and second placegetter moving through to the coveted final to be conducted next week.