Thirlmere trainer Mark Gatt's runners will make up half the field in tomorrow night's Group Two Richmond Derby final, putting the polish on four of the eight finalists, with his fastest qualifier Red Road, coming up with the coveted box one.
Gatt's quartet were all class in each of their respective heats with victories from Ritza Raider in 30.51 and Boyce Road in d a flying 30.38. These added to Red Roads impressive 30.33. Four and a half year old Ritza Ryder secured his place in another group final and will jump from box two.
Fastest qualifier Evil Punk began brilliantly from box five last week to sizzle around the 535m distance in 30.29. Trainer James Coyle will head into the race full of confidence, after his charge came up with box three for the final.
Comments: Mark Gatt: “Perfectly boxed this week, all he has to do is jump. I was pleased with his performance last week, in particular his run home and he's drawn the best of my four chances so I just really want him to begin well.”
Comments: Mark Gatt: “This dog is just getting better with age. He went awesome last week running second to Evil Punk in fast time and is perfectly boxed this week. I'm expecting him to go well and he will only need a bit of luck to run a cheeky race.”
Best Richmond Times
Best
Last
Sect. Best
Sect. Last
30.47
30.47
5.40
5.40
Box 3
Race Odds
$4.20
Heat Replay
Evil Punk
Trainer
James Coyle
Owner
James Coyle
Prizemoney
$55,810
Last 10 Starts
1822212321
30 Months
Black
Dog
by
Collision
–
Punk Angel
Start
Fast
Running
Rail
Finish
Strong
Prizemoney Rating
$1,468.68
Rating
100
Career Record
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
38
10
9
5
Strike Rates
Win %
Place %
26%
63%
Track & Dist.
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
6
6
0
0
Box 3 Record
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
2
0
1
0
Comments: James Coyle: “I'm stoked with how good he's going at the moment. He has an unbeaten record at Richmond and I'm expecting him to go well again in this race. His early speed is very important in a race like this and I just hope he can get a clear run and get through the race safely.”
Comments: (Trainer Unavailable): Made up a lot of ground last week from box eight to finish second behind fastest qualifier Red Road in 30.33. Clocked a solid time of 30.65 and despite he's lack of early speed, this dog really finds the line well and will be doing so again.
Best Richmond Times
Best
Last
Sect. Best
Sect. Last
30.65
30.65
5.39
5.39
Box 5
Race Odds
$6.00
Heat Replay
Boyce Road
Trainer
Mark Gatt
Owner
Edwin Kingswell
Prizemoney
$22,590
Last 10 Starts
1311414551
25 Months
Black
Dog
by
Collision
–
Mystic Pace
Start
Fair
Running
Rail
Finish
Strong
Prizemoney Rating
$1,411.88
Rating
98
Career Record
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
16
10
0
2
Strike Rates
Win %
Place %
63%
75%
Track & Dist.
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
6
5
0
1
Box 5 Record
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
1
1
0
0
Comments: Mark Gatt: “He was great last week, showed really good speed to get through a squeeze at the first turn and I was happy with his finish as well. The box I think will suit him and I hope he can get a clear run because he can definitely win this. I would like to see him jump a bit better.”
Best Richmond Times
Best
Last
Sect. Best
Sect. Last
30.38
30.38
5.32
5.33
Box 6
Race Odds
$13.00
Heat Replay
Romantic Affair
Trainer
Mario Abela
Owner
M Abela & Ptns
Prizemoney
$29,010
Last 10 Starts
5211233532
43 Months
Black
Dog
by
Bombastic Shiraz
–
Romantic Diva
Start
Good
Running
Middle
Good
N/A
Prizemoney Rating
$1,160.40
Rating
80
Career Record
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
25
10
6
6
Strike Rates
Win 40%
Place 88%
Track & Dist.
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
8
3
3
1
Box 6 Record
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
2
0
1
1
Comments: (Trainer Unavailable): Ran a solid race last week to finish second behind Ritza Raider in 30.51. Still posted a fast time of 30.61, however has drawn awkwardly this week and is surrounded by early speedsters. Can go well with the right run.
Comments: Michael Eberand: “He's improving every week which is pleasing. i was really happy with his performance last week and now he's just starting to come good. I think he has the pace to run a good race and I'm just really happy to be in a final like this.”
Best Richmond Times
Best
Last
Sect. Best
Sect. Last
30.59
30.59
5.33
5.33
Box 8
Race Odds
$4.50
Heat Replay
Ritza Raider
Trainer
Mark Gatt
Owner
Mark Gatt
Prizemoney
$18,665
Last 10 Starts
1223361231
28 Months
Red Fawn
Dog
by
Bombastic Shiraz
–
Midnight Flare
Start
Moderate
Running
Wide
Finish
Good
Prizemoney Rating
$1,097.94
Rating
90
Career Record
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
17
7
4
5
Strike Rates
Win %
Place %
41%
94%
Track & Dist.
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
5
4
0
1
Box 8 Record
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
3
3
0
0
Comments: Mark Gatt: “I was very happy with his run last week. He began terrific from box eight and I'm glad he's drawn there again, because he seems to like it. Obviously there's a lot of speed on the inside of him, but with the right run, he can go well.”
Best Richmond Times
Best
Last
Sect. Best
Sect. Last
30.47
30.51
5.27
5.27
The winner will take home $40,000 for connections, with many of these greyhounds set for the $250,000 Group One Golden Easter Egg series next month at Wentworth Park.
