Debra's ‘Tough Challenge' Ahead Of Futurity Test

THIRLMERE trainer Mark Gatt says his smart prospect Ritza Debra will need to be at the top of her game to carry on her winning way at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.

Ritza Debra faces her toughest test when she lines up in the Ladbrokes Racing Club Bitches Final (520m).

The daughter of Flying Ricciardo, out of Gatt's former classy galloper Ritza Millie, is unbeaten in three runs since returning from an extended injury layoff.

FIELDS AND FORM WENTWORTH PARK SATURDAY NIGHT

"She tore a muscle in her stomach and that kept her out of action for almost five months," Gatt said.

"She's a nice bitch that is progressing nicely.

"She still seems to be improving but Saturday night is going to be a test for her.

"There's a fair bit of speed in the race and it's drawn inside and out so she's going to have to do everything right."

Ritza Debra has won five of her seven starts and holds a Wentworth Park personal best of 29.80 seconds.

Gatt has his sights on January Group 1, the National Futurity, a race his brother Daniel won this year with the classy Wyndra All Class.

"I've got no doubt she can go quicker," Gatt said.

"When she does everything right and lands straight on the bunny, she'll go quicker than 29.80.

"The Futurity is the race for her but she's going to be giving away a fair bit of experience.

"She's as old as any dog that will run in the Futurity or the Derby but she's not overly experienced because of the injury she suffered."

Stockton Slap is Gatt's other runner on Saturday night.

The son of Barcia Bale runs in the Ladbrokes Communities Dogs Final.

"He wants an inside draw so he's not drawn that favourably in Box seven on Saturday night," Gatt said.

"He's a nice dog, no superstar but he goes ok.

"He's probably got his work cut out for him on Saturday night."