Devendra Steps Up For Rattray In Inters Heat
30 November, 2015
Harness
Two-time Interdominion champion Beautide is missing from the Perth series but gun New South Wales horseman James Rattray may still have a strong presence in this year’s final following the win of Devendra on Friday night.
The Tasmanian-bred Devendra, trained and driven by Rattray, set the pace and rated 1:55.1 when scoring an upset win over Perth hope and favourite, Waylade, by 6.5m with Sydney gelding Shannonsablast third.
Devendra, who has led in 12 of his 24 career wins, showed similar sparkling speed from barrier five when defeating Devil Dodger in 1:56.7 over 2300 metres at his previous start in Menangle on November 7.
Rattray said Devendra would continue to be a real threat throughout the Interdominion series and had recovered well for the second round of heats at Bunbury on Tuesday.
“I was rapt in his effort and he has come out of it well,” Rattray said on TABradio.
“He is just a really good race horse who has high speed.
“I was pretty confident and thought I could find the front.
“That was his first run in a bit over three weeks and I think he will improve.
“He had a fair bit of condition when travelling across and I expect him to go good again.
“He ate up well and there was no sign the run had hurt him.
“He had a couple of days on the beach and seems happy with that.”
Devendra, who will step from barrier four in heat six, will have speed on his inside from Dynamite Dude (1), For A Reason (2) and Mach Alert (3).
Drawn on the second row in barrier nine is Philadelphia Man, who pressed his claims with the fastest heat win for Melbourne reinsman, Gavin Lang.
The Emma Stewart-trained son of Art Major rated 1:53.8 when running on to overhaul Avonnova by 3.5m with Lovers Delight a distant third.
Victorian raider Lennytheshark, driven by Chris Alford, completed a clean sweep for the interstate raiders with a dominant heat two win.
“They were (Philadelphia Man & Lennytheshark) very good runs,” Rattray said.
“Waylade was also good sitting on the outside.
“And Avonnova also looked good as well.”
At $2.60 Lennytheshark holds firm TAB favouritism for the Interdominion Final. Philadelphia Man ($5.50) and Waylade ($7.50) are the only other runners under single figures.
Devendra is currently quoted a $12 chance.
Julio Santarelli