TASMANIAN pacer Devendra could cement a berth in the latest Inter Dominion series final if he can win or place in his second-round heat at Bunbury in Western Australia tonight.
Devendra has drawn gate four tonight and if he shows his customary early speed he could lead which would enhance his winning chances.
Devendra earned maximum points (14) in winning his opening round heat at Gloucester Park in Perth last Friday night after which his trainer-driver James Rattray declared he was a genuine contender to take out the final.
“The horse has pulled up a treat from his first run in the series and from the same barrier that he had on Friday night he has the chance to lead again,” Rattray said.
“If we do find the front then he’ll be very hard to run down again and another win would just about guarantee him a spot in the final irrespective of what he does in his third-round heat,” he said.
Devendra is favourite at $2.20 to win tonight’s heat (race six) over 1609 metres with another first round heat winner Philadelphia Man next best at $2.60 but he will start on the inside of the second row.
The final three rounds of heats will be held at Gloucester Park on Friday night after which the top 10 point scorers from the three rounds of heats will progress to the $1.3 million final at Gloucester Park on December 13.
Photo courtesy of Jodie Hallows (Paceway Photos).