3 minute read
2024 Ladbrokes Devonport Cup Day has arrived, and what a great day it promises to be. The two feature races have attracted excellent fields, and generally, there is good depth to most events on the 10-race program. The first of the day is scheduled for 12:27 with live hosted coverage provided on TasracingTV
R1 Leigh Jordan One Agency Collins Real Estate Maiden, 1009m
Miss Keeds (11) is the testing material. She looked home and hosed at her last start, straightening up 3-4 lengths clear of her rivals before being collared in the last few bounds. Hypercube (10) returns from a 35-day break since finishing at the tail over 1400m last outing, her previous form stacks up well for this, the stable is red-hot.Bloomtime (9) was in the market on debut, didn't fire but lameness was noted post-race. Had a good break since so must respect second time around. Captain Cam (2) is on resumption and is in the mix, but it's debatable whether he is sharp enough over this trip. Akiara (7) gets winkers on and has first four claims. A market watch on Sphere no evil (4) who wasn't knocked about in a recent trial.
R2 Malcolm “miracle” Johnston Maiden, 1350m
Who Can It Be Now (4) races well on the synthetic, he found the line strongly from a mile back last start and the 1350m looks ideal. Lightmeupjazz (9) finished close-up in Hobart courtesy of a rail-hugging ride. She's yet to race here but did trial impressively back in September. Stablemate Oh Wonderful Why (8) came from off midfield at her first local start and worked home solidly over 1150m, this trip clearly looks a better option. One Star Dream (2) did enough first-up and maps to get a comfortable lead. Ralph The Rocket (5) comes out of a good form race in Hobart, he will need some favours though drawn widest out of the chute.
R3 Dean Walker Designs Maiden, 1350m
A very even contest.Cape Zoro (6) has more convictions than most but she did work hard last outing and toughed it out well under the circumstances. Need To Think (9) overraced in the same race in Hobart and failed to finish off. It's worth noting though she did perform well at her only start this venue so improvement wouldn't shock. Luvher (7) and Whats New Pussycat (10) both raced wide without cover at their latest in a questionable form race where the well-backed Bankrollbenny (4) seemed to have every possible. First start in the state for Major Lazer(1), market the best guide.
R4 Ulverstone Waterfront Apartments Maiden/class 1, 1880m
Trixie (9) didn't fire at all in Hobart at her second start. Her debut win at this venue was impressive over the 1009m and it's a big leap in trip for her out to the 1880m third-up but she's bred to appreciate it. Knot Dancing (2) was much improved last start on the back of three ordinary efforts. A repeat of that run and she'll go close. Buddong (12) brings Victorian form. This only her second outing, market the best guide. Zulu Esprit (8) gave a huge sight at big odds two starts back at this venue before finishing rearwards in Hobart at his latest. Returns to Devonport and could take catching. Luisana (10) is working up to a win and should be primed fourth-up, this surface an unknown.
R5 Winning Edge Presentations 0 - 62, 1009m
Champagne Cinders (5) toughed it out well last start behind Thunberg in Hobart. She has drawn much better here in barrier 2, looks the likely leader and will take running down. Alpine Aviator (2) is in a new yard; it can sit off them and launch late. Bold Instinct (1) a chance but has an awkward alley with speed drawn all around him.Sweetsop (3) has winning form this track and trip, Newitt gets the ride.Tidal (7) and Lacerate (6) next best.
R6 Kevin Sharkie Class 1 Handicap, 1150m
Fighting For Gold (5) made a big impression winning on debut and she can bounce back off a forgivable effort last start. Sir Jag (4) looked sharp at the Longford trials last week finishing close-up in the quickest heat of the morning. He has the speed to overcome the wide alley. Turk Boy (2) was run off his legs over this trip last outing before closing off strongly in quick time, hitting the line better than anything else.Positive Press (10) was a decisive all the way winner at Launceston two-starts ago then she struggled in class 1 grade at same venue when unable to find the front. She'll give a sight but this is tougher. Kireina Marubrah (9) next best, draws to get the right run.
R7 Ladbrokes Carpet Charge, 1009m
Rebel Factor (2) has a clear liking for his home track boasting an unblemished record from three attempts and blinkers go on for the first time. He just needs to ping the gates and settle in the first 4/5 . Turk Warrior (1) won this race last year, draws to map much the same but does have to carry an extra 3kg. Emily (6) went down narrowly in this race last year, running on hard and meets Turk Warrior 3.5kg better. Bello Beau (4) is in the mix but the wide gate is no spoil with a relatively short run to the first corner. Tony Nicconi (10) won this trip/track last start in easier grade. Needs Sugar (11) next best.
R8 Terry Brakey Memorial, 1150m
Seydoux (5) was rock-solid resuming but was always to going to have her work cut for her over the shorter trip, she'll find this much more to her liking. Same can be said for Gee Gee Plane (3). He ran last in that race behind Tony Nicconi; expect a far better showing out to the 1150m; he's only missed top-3 twice in 12 starts this track/trip.Quicken Up (4) looks to get an uncontested lead, so must respect.Gee Gee Can Win (6) has each-way claims. Summer Fire (1) hasn't raced for almost nine months. She's done enough in both trial appearances in the lead up but the market will tell us more.
R9 Ladbrokes Devonport Cup, 1880m
Alpine Wolf (3) was a good thing beaten in this race last year. He's going just as well this time around and meets Hype (5) on slightly better terms for a narrow defeat in the Sheffield Cup which looks the right form. Last start winners' Miss Charlie Brown (6) and Ashy Boy (9) are solid each-way hopes, they'll make their own luck rolling forward. Kaptain Kaos (2) has done most of his racing in Western Australia. His last win was a Group 3 victory at Belmont in June 2022. Synthetics is an unknown, and the market is the best guide.
R10 Torque Gear For Guys Benchmark 60 Handicap, 1350m
Stone Cold Stunner (2) won four-on-the-trot prior to finishing midfield in much stronger grade last time, this more to her liking. Cornelian Bay (3) grows a leg on his home track , expect him to be primed third-up. Duncannon (5) and Chicane (8) are consistent and seldom far away in this grade. Royal And Tough (1) has a task drawn out with big weight. Jeremiah (4) ran well on New Year's Day at Longford against similar opposition, but this has a bit more depth to it . His form around here is better than his record would suggest.
