TASMANIAN pacer Devendra delivered a career best performance to win his final round heat of the Inter Dominion series at Gloucester Park last night to clinch a berth in the $1.3 million final on Sunday week.
Devendra settled last from his outside front-row draw (9) and he was still last turning for home but when his trainer-driver James Rattray eased him to the outside of the field he unleashed a powerful sprint and finished so fast he grabbed victory in the last few strides from Avonnova and Five Star Anvil.
Devendra won his opening round heat to earn maximum points (14) and followed up with one of the runs of the night at Bunbury to finish fifth in his second-round heat to be on 20 points going into the last heat.
Rattray said he was proud of the horse and that winning like he did (coming from last) has dispelled suggestions from some pundits that he was a one-trick pony (had to lead to win).
The barrier draw for the final will be held at Gloucester Park tomorrow afternoon (Sunday) and Rattray says he would love to draw barrier one but he will deal with whatever comes his way.
By Peter Staples.
Watch the replay here (includes post race interview with James Rattray).