Sydney raider Ritza Hattie is well placed to claim Victoria’s richest race for young bitches after a scintillating win in tonight’s Macro Meats Laurels semi finals.
Trained by Mark Gatt and in the care of Paul Bartolo (right) during her Victorian campaign, Ritza Hattie began reasonably from box 2 but railed strongly beneath Blue Viper and powering to an impressive 3¼ win. It was a big improvement her heat win in which she was run down by Liara Allen.
“She went very well in a trial in her first look at the track, but she got a good whack in her heat and I think it may have knocked the wind out of her sails a little,” said Bartolo.
“She’s only been here for a couple of weeks and I’m only just getting to know her, but she has a fantastic temperament. She’s extremely fast and has already set a track record at Nowra. I really like her a lot.”
Bartolo is no stranger to Group finals, having trained Melbourne Cup winner and AGRA Greyhound of the Year Betty’s Angel. However he feels greater pressure when looking after someone else’s dog
“There’s a lot more questions if she doesn’t perform,” he said with a laugh.
Ritza Hattie has now been placed in all 18 career starts, winning 11 and has accumulated over $57,000 in prize money.
Maximum Lil took out the night’s opening heat in 29.39.
Beginning well from box 2, Maximum Lil opened a big break on the field down the back before Prue Bale made late ground to to run the Jenny hunt trained chaser to 2¼ lengths at the line.
Liara Allen recorded the most remarkable win in the night’s semi finals, railing brilliantly in the home straight to register a 1½ length win over Dyna Evy in 29.69.
Beginning only fairly, Liara Allen was forced wide at the first turn and even wider down the back straight. However she was not to be denied, improving to midfield off the back straight before switching to the rail approaching the home turn and powering her way into the Macro Meats Laurels final.
Rinoa Bale took out the night’s final semi final in a thrilling last gasp dive at the line.
The daughter of former top stayer Amelia Bale was ominously placed in third place through the first turn but was caught up in trouble and forced wide. She quickly recovered to retake her third position before unleashing a powerful finishing burst to catch Blue Lavros on the line in 29.90.
The final of the $72,500 Macro Meats Laurels will be run on Thursday 26 December. Entry is free.
