Easter Egg Finalist Leads Taree Cup Charge

GROUP 1 star, Ritza Donna, highlights Wednesday's heats of the Group 3 Taree Cup (537m) and trainer Mark Davidson says she has pulled up well from her run at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.

That “run” just happened to be the final of the Group 1 Golden Easter Egg and the daughter of Orson Allen-Ritza Millie finished last behind Simply Limelight.

“She pulled up well after the Egg final and has recovered well from the race,” said Mark.

FIELDS AND FORM TAREE WEDNESDAY

“There are a few things that need to be done for Taree and one is to have a look at the track.

“We did that a while ago when we knew this race was coming up and worth $25,000 to the winner.

“The other is to draw close to the fence and she has the rails in her heat.”

Mark admits the bitch is going as well ever.

Upset in Semi-FInal 6 of the #MDC with Ritza Donna dodging the touble on her way to victory! ? pic.twitter.com/ew6mNm5NTm

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 29, 2022

“She had a good few months off and the Egg was only her sixth run back,” he said.

“So it is not as though she is deep into a preparation.”

Ritza Donna has been a glamour girl of racing for Frank Gatt.

In 72 starts she has won 16 and been placed 35 times for stakes of $236,000.

Her wins have included the G1 Dapto Megastar and she was third in a Million Dollar Chase among s series of Group race placings and finals berths.

Mark says there is no plan to retire the bitch while she is still making the finals of races like the G1 Easter Egg.

“Frank knows what a great broodbitch potential she is but he is happy to keep her racing,” said Mark.

“He is not one who sells his pups so she will race on until she tells us she is ready to quit.”

Davidson has Darkseid drawn seven in another heat and while the dog trialled well at Taree recently, he is not drawn to suit.

“Some great speed drawn either side of him and he's desperate to get to the rails,” said Mark.

Fat Boy's Charm is also making the trip for Davidson.

He has drawn the five in his heat.

“He hasn't raced since splitting webbing at Maitland and it has been a bit of a push to get him right,” said Mark.

“But, he is very strong. He's had a post to post at Taree.”

Among the other highlights of the first Group 3 Taree Cup series is the return of last year's Cup winner Winlock On Top for Richard Edwards.

He has not raced since February 24 when second at The Gardens.

Winlock On Top won the $10,000 to the winner Cup last year beating Jimary Spitfire and I'm Explosive.

He has started 120 times for 34 wins and $235,000 in stakes.