Vonnie Primed For Bulli Debut

IN just a few years, Bulli's Graham Gibbons Memorial Maiden (472m) has garnered a glittering honour role.

In 2017, Lagoon Rhett arrived like a shooting star, winning his heat (on debut) in a rare 25.99 seconds. Seven days later, he bounded clear in the decider – scoring by a clear six panels in 25.96.

Last year, the brilliant Zipping Mitzy produced a Groundhog Day-like offering, winning her heat in 26.03 before running the final in 26.14.

The high speed and strength shown by both youngsters promised much more and the pair has delivered on a grander stage.

Zipping Mitzy has now won 12 from 23 including a blazing 29.52 at Wentworth Park for the 520m and Richmond in a remarkable 30.21 over 535m.

Lagoon Rhett, on Friday, tackles a hot line-up in the Group 2 Richmond Derby Final. He won his heat in a slick 30.47 and, now based in Victoria with Terry Reid, is racing in career best form, including a recent 29.25 Sandown Park success.

So which youngster will step up and say "look at me" in the Graham Gibbons Memorial heats at Bulli this Saturday?

After her powerful 26.32 performance trial effort at Bulli on the weekend, there's every chance it will be Ritza Vonnie.

RITZA VONNIE TRIALS 26.32 at Bulli Saturday 

The July 2017 youngster – as the name implies – is prepared by 2017 Metropolitan Premiership winning trainer Mark Gatt for dad Frank.

Purchased as a youngster, the brindle bitch has done nothing but turn heads from day one.

"She is the fastest pup I've ever broken in and I've had some good ones over the past eight years," Illabo educator Peter Sims said.

"The dogs go on the clock at Temora and, for a long time Elantris held the record for the fastest break-in at 19.71. The track is a little quicker now and a few have got down to the 19.50s but Mark's bitch ran 19.26 at her second run from the boxes.

"When others have seen the break-in times, they've asked ‘what was that' and I've just had to say it's unfair to compare her to other break-ins.

"She was no different in age to most but she was – and is – at the next level ability wise."

Ritza Vonnie (SH Avatar – Jingjing) has excited Mark Gatt from the time he picked her out as a pup.

"She struck me as athletic," Gatt beamed.

"Her mum had blinding speed and the Hidden Assets family includes some very quick dogs. Queen Lauren is a half-sister to Hidden Assets and I suppose that's where this girl's strength comes from.

"We bought the pups because of Jingjing's amazing pace yet now see something quite different but really exciting.

JINGJING SCORING in 29.84 at Dapto

"I'd say she's probably the strongest dog I've trained – certainly equal to Sherbini (My Bro Fabio – Hidden Assets) and she was truly gifted.”

Jingjing won her first five starts including a smart effort at Wentworth Park and retired young.

JINGJING SIZZLING AROUND WENTY

This first litter (of seven) are each showing tremendous potential but Ritza Vonnie might just be special.

Jingjing whelped a litter of nine pups by the all-conquering Fernando Bale in October. Prized possessions indeed.