Truvy Eyes Winning Maitland Debut

She's only 20 months of age but Zipping Truvy, set to make her debut at Maitland this Thursday afternoon, has got Rob Tyler's heart racing.

The daughter of Zulu Zeus stepped out in public for the first time at Richmond on March 29 and turned heads with a stunning 22.38 performance trial effort over 400 metres.

For perspective, many trainers are content with seeing young dogs break just 23 seconds and Zipping Truvy's sizzling gallop was a combination of speed and strength.

"I've had a lot of dogs over many years but she's the quickest young one I've ever had over 400m at Richmond," Tyler beamed.

"Her brother Zipping Garth looks like being a star for Jason Mackay and I have another from the litter here. Zipping Alea is just as quick as ‘Truvy' but she's injured, Zipping Shay is a staying-type."

Ending a training hiatus in 2016, Tyler has a real knack of turning potential into something tangible.

"It's about the one-on-one time we try and spend with the dogs and placing them in the right races," he added.

"For example, Sashay arrived here last year after a Victorian trainer reckoned she barked too much.

"That surely was just an excuse as she's never barked once here and has now won 12 of 28 starts including three at Wentworth Park."

Trending was another which blossomed under Tyler's care, winning eight of 19 outings. Her career closed with 14 wins from 51 starts and reputation enhanced.

While speed and strength provide critical mass, temperament is high on Tyler's agenda.

He's just taken over stud duties of 2016 Golden Easter Egg winner Moreira and it's the brindle dog's good nature which provided a tipping point.

"I've had a lot of dogs over the years and if they don't pick up good habits, it's just about a waste of time," he added.

"For example, I've had three litters of Bella Infrareds through here and they're the noisiest, most destructive and unruly dogs you could imagine.

"Their mental capacity is that of a statue," he laughed.

There have been plenty of sires over the years where temperament has been a concern and many issues are beyond redemption.

"Bella Infrareds, generally, have plenty of ability but I'd not take another. You just don't need that problem when dogs like Modus Operandi, Sashay, Zipping Truvy and Saloot arrive and don't give you a moment's concern."