A leg injury has kept dual Inter Dominion champion Beautide out of the latest series but another of Barrie Rattray’s home grown pacers Devendra will be attempting to give Tasmania another win in Australasia’s most prestigious harness event.
Trainer James Rattray is pinning his hopes on Devendra that scraped into the series in WA by the skin of his teeth.
It wasn’t until he won a race at Menangle about a week out from final acceptances for the series that the gelded son of Bettors Delight crept into the top 30 that made it to the series that comprises three heats and a final.
Devendra has earned his place in the final as his career record of 23 wins and 24 minor placings from 57 starts for over $220,000 in stakes is testament to his ability.
Devendra has drawn gate four in the first of three heats at Gloucester Park tonight and Rattray is quietly confident he can make an impact.
Two rounds of heats will be held at Gloucester Park (1st and 3rd) with the middle round held at Bunbury and the 10 horses that accrue the most number of points will make it into the final that carries prizemoney of $1.3 million.
Devendra has been in WA for over a week and from all reports the gelding has thrived.
By Peter Staples.