3 minute read

The 2023 Ladbrokes Devonport Cup has a familiar feel to it with the trifecta from last year’s race all going around again. Speed looks genuine with Sir Simon the likely leader from Rising Light, Reward Achiever and Maincourt a trio that could challenge for the front.

A four-horse field was never going to suit him on Friday in the Tasmanian Stakes. Settling out the back he hit the line well enough. No synthetic form and a big weight, it wouldn't be a shock not to see him take his place in the field.

Was very brave in defeat in this race last year carrying 2kg less than what he'll have on Wednesday. A noted speed runner, it seems unlikely he'll be given a soft time of it in front and how many blows he needs to endure in the run may decide what kick he has in the home straight. Tough as old boots and deserves a feature race win.

Heavily backed to win this race 12 months ago, he couldn't have been given a better steer by Daniel Ganderton and was just touched off on the post. Takes a different path to the race by winning the Longford Cup where he enjoyed not taking on the state's best. Drawn ideally, he shapes as one of the leading players.

Did enough in the two traditional Devonport lead-up races to suggest he may be able to replicate his 2022 win in this race where he was sent out $17 and carried 0.5kg less than what he'll have in 2023. Will need a good steer from the draw but he's a horse you can never put a pen through over a staying trip.

Swerved the Tasmanian Stakes in favour of this assignment and after a bottler in the Newmarket, I thought he was entitled to finish a tad better in the Conquering. Still carries the big spruik that followed him through his 3YO season but I'm not sure his Launceston Guineas win really confirmed he can stay. He's the x-factor in the race and it will be fascinating to see what the market does with him.

Comes here second-up after a Sheffield Cup performance that indicated he would likely be better for the run. Since had a 1400m trial at Longford where he made hard work of inferior horses. Certainly has the jockey in Craig Newitt that knows how to win the race.

Despite publications suggesting the Sheffield Cup winner wouldn't be here in favour of the Bow Mistress and Vamos she takes her place and has drawn favourably in gate 2. Given a gift in front last time when victorious, it seems unlikely that will happen again, but she should enjoy a nice trail behind the speed if it doesn't. On trial at the 1880m trip but seemingly enters the race at her peak.

The Golden Mile winner enjoyed the run of the race to beat Sir Simon and will meet him 2kg worse for a half-length margin. Emerging type who brings a strong SP profile and is firmly in the mix if Erica Byrne Burke can give him a nice transit from a bad barrier.

Been a touch plain this preparation but has gone through the usual lead-up races and it would seem this race has been a goal for the campaign. Not sure he is going as well as he once was as an 8YO and the draw makes things difficult.

The well-travelled 7YO has taken connections all over the country, placing in the Darwin Cup just four starts ago. Was firmly in the market in the Longford Cup but was only fair there and meets that winner similarly at the weights. Wouldn't completely shock but think he's entitled to be a much bigger price than last start.

Heavily backed to win the Golden Mile, she had no luck at all from barrier 1 and now has the complete opposite draw here. Very good last time from the tail in a slowly run race, she'll need everything to go right to get into the race given she'll likely be sporting the leaders a huge start at the 600m. Progressive mare who certainly gets included in all bet types.

Loves racing in Devonport but none of his eight career wins have been over further than 1400m and his Longford Cup performance did little to suggest he can run out a strong 1880m here.

Essentially ran up to market expectation in the Longford Cup when finishing midfield. No synthetic form and as a 70-rater it seems likely her next win will come in something a bit easier than this.

Strung a few wins together in lesser grade here over spring but doesn't appear to have come back as the same horse. Plummets in weight from recent runs but still looks the outsider in the field.

Racing in super form but just needs something a bit easier. He was just touched off in a BM60 five starts ago and since then has essentially been racing in open class. Keen to back him when he drops back to benchmark grade.