RACE COMMENT

Handicaps from the stand start normally evens out the fields, and this Devonport Cup is no different. HORATIUS SPECULO (4) couldn’t have been more impressive in recent months chalking up consecutive wins, and going through his classes with ease. This is another step up in class, but he clearly has the talent to take this out.  Only query is he has led most races, and got away with a somewhat pedestrian first half of the races recently in the country cups, which id be surprised if he got the same here. MAEBEE (7) has raced in similar races, but his manners have let him down slightly, but wouldn’t be surprised to see him turn the tables and looks the main danger from the front row. DALTON SHARD (13) comes in 1st up off one trial in Victoria, and has competed against the best in previous years in NZ. He will need a few favours to go his way to get in the finish off 30m, as will MAGICIAN (11) and STAR MAJOR (10) off the 20m. Most others in race will be relying on a good run in transit, led by the Heath Woods trio in THE SHALLOWS (8) and STEPPING STONES (9), whilst ROCKANDAHARDPLACE (1) will be on speed and flies the tape, and looks the obvious one who would hold the lead against other fancied front row horses.Selections HORATIUS SPECULO (4), MAEBEE (6), THE SHALLOWS (8), STEPPING STONES (9)