Ritza Piper Takes Angle Park In Her Stride
Ritza Piper had her first look at the Angle Park circuit on Wednesday and her trainer Joe Scerri said her performance was what he was hoping for.
VICTORY in next week's Group 1 National Distance Championship Final at Angle Park in South Australia would be the "crowning glory" of Ritza Piper's illustrious career.
The rising four-year-old chaser is the winner of 19 of her 35 starts with her career highlight coming when successful in last year's Group 1 Topgun Stayers at The Meadows.
Ritza Piper's trainer Joe Scerri flew his kennel star to Adelaide on Tuesday, and she'll remain there under the care of trainer Tim Aloisi until Saturday week's $75,000-to-the-winner Group 1 contest.
Ritza Piper, NSW's representative in the Australia-wide contest, had her first look at Angle Park on Wednesday, when having a box-to-box trial from the 730-metre start.
"She went 4.32 and 16.11 and Tim said he's happy with that first go," Scerri said.
"Before she trialled he told me he'd like her to break 16.15 first time and if she can get under 4.30 in her second trial, everything will be right on track."
With eight days remaining until the final, Ritza Piper will have her final hit out at Angle Park on Sunday.
Ritza Piper has been a "once in a lifetime" opportunity for Scerri who says he can never thank the Gatt family enough for the opportunity they gave him to train the daughter of their former star pair of chasers – Ritza Lenny and Ritza Vonnie.
"I would love so much to win the Nationals with her for the Gatts," he said.
"I'm so grateful for everything they have done for me with the dogs and if she could win the final next week, I think it would be a fitting crowning glory for her and everyone involved."
The all-important box draw for the feature event will be conducted on Friday.
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