Ricciardo Brilliant, Zipping Truvy Returns In Style

NEXT week's Bathurst final of the TAB Million Dollar Chase is at the mercy of Flying Ricciardo following the son of Barcia Bale's stunning 29.58 heat victory on Monday afternoon.

And while Kristy Sultana's young star was brilliant in scoring at his first Bathurst showing, the performance of runner-up Zipping Truvy was equally impressive, the daughter of Zulu Zeus powering home to go down 1 ¾ lengths at her first start since May for Rob Tyler.

"I had four runners today for three seconds but can't remember driving home happier," Tyler said.

"It's been a long hard slog getting (Zipping) Truvy back to the races so to see her return like that after so long off is the most rewarding moment I've had in training.

“A few months ago she could barely walk let alone run. To be honest I thought she was finished at the time but we've stuck at it and touch wood got her back. I'm stoked.”

Winner at seven of her 16 starts, Zipping Truvy's last victory was at Bathurst back in April when going agonizingly close to the 618 metre track record with a comprehensive eight-length romp.

Following that performance the sister to Zipping Garth headed south for a crack at the Group 1 Sandown Cup, just as COVID-19 restrictions began to take hold around the country.

And while things didn't go according to script during her Melbourne campaign, Monday's slashing return suggests an injury free Zipping Truvy can be at the pointy end of some upcoming feature events.

"I'm realistic about the Million Dollar Chase,” Tyler said.

“She'd need a huge amount of luck to get into things over the 520m in that grade.

“But the series was a good place to start. She was ready to race, loves Bathurst and I knew the heats would likely be reduced fields which suits her as well.”

Zipping Truvy has drawn box four for next Monday's Bathurst Final where Flying Ricciardo will start all-the-rage from box eight.

First, second and third will progress to the MDC semi-finals at Wentworth Park on October 9.

"She'll be getting home in the final and if she places and qualifies for the semi-finals great,” Tyler said.

“If she doesn't we'll just push ahead and get her racing before stepping her up in distance again."

The opening MDC heat at Bathurst on Monday went the way of Fast Eddie Cargo in 30.13, staving off Fernando Porche by a head in a thrilling finish.

The second heat on Monday was tinged in sadness with reigning Bathurst Cup winner Nangar Diva going amiss early in proceedings and failing to finish.

NEXT MONDAY'S BATHURST MDC BOX DRAW

1. Fernando Porche
2. Hartley Entry
3. Fast Eddie Cargo
4. Zipping Truvy
5. Typhoon To Excel
6. Still Blue
7. Midnight Escape
8. Flying Ricciardo