Steve Christie’s Devonport Set: Best bets and staking strategy for Sunday

BRUNY BOY (3) an unknown on this surface but is promising and has performed well at both runs. UPHEAVAL (8) was well held at Hobart but finished just outside the placings behind a dominant winner. ALLA RUSTICA (1) no placings from six starts but comes through a strong maiden. GYM PRINCESS (9) wasn’t beaten far first up and the 1650m will be more to her liking. ENUFF DOSH (6) does need to do better but goes into exotics.

BRUTAL EMPIRE (13) returned gelded and not much went right. Will take plenty of improvement from the first up run and has drawn better this time, having to cover too much ground here two weeks ago. JUDGE ROYALE (6) had a impossible task on debut having to come from the rear in a race that was dominated from the front and was his doing best work late. The tempo looks more genuine here. GUBER (4) is fit and back in trip, draws to lead, can give a sight but has had plenty of chances.  CITY WOK (1) is a market watch at first local start. HARRATA (5) resumes off a long break with a couple of trials under the belt but would want to see a market push. SURF SOUL (17) struck a winnable race resuming and had good market support but was very plain, blinkers now go on. Tough gate for RUM’UN (7) but the debut run was sound. SIR WILLIAM (8) and EQUIVASTER (11) next best.

DON’T GIVE UP (1) comes into this chasing back-to-back wins and this line-up only marginally harder. WHIPPIN PICCADILLY (3) another last start winner with strong claims again. HAPPY CLAN (2) just missed last time bursting through late and drawn for run of the race. TIDEFORD (6) couldn’t lead last start and gets a better set up here but finds it hard to win. ALPINE TROUT (5) pulled good late ground and wasn’t beaten far behind Don’t Give It Up and maps to settle handier. AL MAXIMUS (4) got back at latest in an easier race but was good to the line and has an excellent record at track and trip.

TASSIE POWER (1) took on stronger company at Hobart and was far from disgraced in a race that suited the closers. Just has to handle this surface for the first time to be competitive.  AZONTO (6) finished out of the placings two weeks ago when favourite but post-race the vet reported a couple of issues. Chance on form prior but she’s been a costly horse. TIKKEN (2) hasn’t put in a bad run in all preparation including three synthetic wins and maps to box seat again.  MEGALITA (3) brings winning form and although harder here is lightly raced and has plenty of scope. FRUIT OF DE VINE (7) is fit and firing but takes on a deeper race.

THE SPIRIT OF ZERO (2) returned in good order hitting the line strongly and is proven second-up. A track and distance winner and looks a key chance. ZOETE’S ROCK (3) started slowly this prep but last couple off efforts have both been sound. NO ACCESS (8) got too far back last time and ready to peak fourth run in. ALPINE BLAST (7) races well at this level and dropping back to the 1350m suits. STARDARMUS (6) best goes close but mixes his form.

BAYBOUGG (2) resumes and while her best form is generally second up, was desperately unlucky not to win fresh last preparation. BELLASARIO (4) wasn’t suited dropping back to the 1009m last time but still ran well and is ready to win. THE REAL MAN (3) had no favours in the run last start but still proved too strong. COOL HEART (5) hit the line well resuming and the extra distance suits. VOLKANOVSKI (1) has been consistently around the money in similar races and is holding his form. GET ’EM WARRIOR (6) a forgive run last start when the saddle shifted and was placed here the run prior.WILD NIGHTS (8) has had a freshen and her recent form is hard to knock.

OUTBUSH (12) just the solitary win from 22 starts but his last couple of efforts on the synthetic have been good. Finished just out of the placings two weeks ago but arguably was the run of the race. HOULIHAN (5) an awkward draw to overcome but is in good form and better suited at the 1150m. Early work at her past couple has been costly. GEEGEESCHASER (13) looks the likely leader from barrier one and placed 4 of 5 starts this venue.  DENNYSON (1) has trialled up nicely and should have taken considerable improvement from his first preparation. BELLA CHINKARA (8) can do better than what she showed first up and worth another chance. OUR PEPMENARTIE (7) resumes for a new stable and is proven here.

THE LONGEST YARD (2) has failed to fire this preparation but best goes close and expecting big improvement from him returning to home track. Interesting placement for COAL RIVER (1) first up at the 1650m. Has the quality but fitness the obvious query.  SIMPLY DEEP (3) led all the way here two weeks ago in a strong class 4 race and has solid claims again. Outside of the top 3 it’s hard to make a strong case for the remainder , perhaps KIREINA MARUBRAH (4) and GEE GEE CAN WIN (7) the best of them.