Ritza Hattie is in prime condition for a crack at the Group 1 Ladbrokes Paws of Thunder (520m) after her memorable victory in the latest leg of the Thank Dog It’s Friday series at Gosford.
A superb run from box eight saw the consistent sprinter (pictured, green rug) SECURE the Group 2 Woy Woy Poultry Supplies Gosford Cup (515m) last Friday night and earn owner-trainer Mark Gatt the $40,000 top prize.
It was a fourth Group victory for the chaser, who was a $7.90 shot after drawing the pink rug but produced a terrific run home to triumph.
Gatt said his chaser is now ready for the $100,000-to-the-winner Paws of Thunder heats this Saturday at Wentworth Park, which will feature some of the country’s best sprinters.
“I’m really confident,” he said. “I just don’t want to draw the eight box again.
“If we can draw the inside boxes then she can definitely mix it with those quality greyhounds.
“She has pulled up fantastic and I couldn’t be happier with her, so it's full steam ahead.”
All eyes at Gosford were on Zipping Willow, who was a $1.70 chance to claim her 35th win in 52 starts and looked ideally drawn from the rail.
She could make no impact on the race, though, and eventually finished fifth.
Ritza Hattie was behind early leader and notable fast early started Jewel Action for the first 300m until taking the lead.
She held off a late charge by the fast-finishing Rue De Kahn to take the win, with Farmer’s Gold producing a strong finish to claim third.
Watch Ritza Hattie’s run here.
The win took Ritza Hattie’s record to 17 wins in 41 starts and took her prize-money to more than $220,000.
“I actually bought the owner of the seven dog (Jewel Action) dinner afterwards,” Gatt said. “It helped having that early speed on the inside.
“(Ritza Hattie) got one of her thick milkshakes that she loves afterwards as well. She earned it.
“I take a lot of pride in her - the same with all the dogs I bred myself.
“It was wonderful to get the win.”
In other action at Gosford, Anthony Azzopardi’s My Boy Snoop produced a scintillating 29.27 run to SECURE the Consolation Cup (515m).
The Thank Dog It’s Friday series showcases the best greyhound racing at regional tracks in a primetime Friday night slot.
This was the fourth leg of the series, which continues at Richmond in March.
