Tassie guru Steve Christies delivers his tips and staking plan for Devonport

There are four debutants engaged in this 2yo maiden headed by BUZZOFFSKI (5), who won a recent trial in good time and did it impressively. She flew the gates there and from barrier one maps to lead and takes catching. ZALAU (4) shapes as the main danger. He was no match for the star colt Aristopolos in the Alfa Bowl but his was clearly the second-best run in the race, putting a big margin on the rest of the field. VALLEY STAR (3) and SCARLET BULLET (7) both come through the same trial as Buzzoffski and showed enough to suggest they have ability. FIERCE SPIRIT (1) was well beaten here behind Tikken but his late sectionals were solid after settling a long way off them.

STRATO KEN (5) looks ready to break through after four straight placings. He was beaten as a short-priced favourite last start but still ran well in a race that was leader dominated. PARTY DAY (9) had strong market support first up and performed well only finding one better and there was a clear margin to the third horse. COOL AS YOU (1) resumes and while his mainland form is only fair has jumped out well on the synthetic leading into this. GUBER (2) draws better than last time and can improve. NICALBI (4) and UNA PALOMA BLANCA (10) next best.

No excuses for LIGHT WORK (4) here two weeks ago but the winner does appear to have above-average ability. Gets a soft run from the gate and strikes a very winnable race. LUNA LINDT (5) is still a maiden after 14 starts but her recent efforts in stronger maidens have been solid. ALLA RUSTICA (1) can improve second-up locally after attracting good market support at her first Tasmanian run. She finished well back there but gets blinkers on for the first time. AWESOME ORPHAN (3) needs to improve on recent form but has been placed at this track and distance. NEED A GIGGLE (2) and STARCRACKER (7) are both capable of running into the first four.

ADACHI (2) was very good here two weeks ago in a strong Benchmark 72. He had every chance but was simply beaten by a better horse and put a big gap on the rest of the field. His record at this track and distance is solid. HARTMAN (1) had excuses last start on the soft , makes own luck, always tough to get past. SKY LAND (4) wasn’t suited in a tougher Hobart race over 1600m but wasn’t far away and should be more competitive back to 1350m. WHIPPIN PICCADILLY (3) has several lengths to make up but the rise in distance suits. STARDARMUS (5) and GEE GEE CAN WIN (6) crossed the line together behind Simply Deep last start in easier company and both get some weight relief here.

RESPITE (6) was below her best at latest but gets a full set of blinkers third-up and has drawn well.STAR TERRITORY (2) made a good impression winning at his first local run and looks capable of further improvement. ROUNDLE PARK (5) started favourite last time and wasn’t beaten far after chasing a strong tempo.  TAROONA (3)  drops back to 1350m after winning at 1650m and should be very competitive again but subject to more pressure today. AZONTO (1) and GEEGEE AUNTY JESS (9) also have claims.

BLAMEITONTHEBOOGIE (3) was an impressive win at his only run at this track. He has trialled well leading in and is unbeaten first-up. ILOVETHISTOWN (7) dropping back in distance and with blinkers going back on could prove a winning combination. ZOETE’S ROCK (2) faces toughest test but consistently makes his presence felt around here. DANCING WOLF (4) was below her best last preparation. Chance on best form, trials have been solid, market confidence will be key. VOLKANOVSKI (1) covered ground over the 1009m behind Miss Keeds and stuck on very well but carries an extra 4.5kg here. PLATINUM REGGAE (9) blew the start last time but found the line soundly. The return run was also good. SWINGING IT (10) wasn’t suited at Hobart but finished off well and now tries the synthetic for the first time. BELLASARIO (6) has performed well on this surface before and although sound first-up after a long break, will likely need another run or two.

THE REAL MAN (3) started favourite last time but worked too hard early and was left vulnerable late. Can bounce back. TROTSKY (8) should be at decent odds and has some appeal. His latest synthetic run had merit despite finishing eighth of 13. TIKKEN (4) won his maiden with a bit in hand and just needs some luck from the wide draw. STAR FORTIAN (10) finished outside the placings first-up behind Miss Keeds but the run was better than it reads after covering extra ground. TURBO CHOOK (2) resumes and won his maiden at this track and distance in a race that has since produced multiple winners. STROAK OF ART (1) also returns from a break and has his share of ability. WILD NIGHTS (12) hit the line well behind Star Territory in a similar race last start. Look for an improved run from VANITY STAR (16) up in trip.

WHO CAN IT BE NOW (5) was tested in stronger company last start and ran respectably but will appreciate getting back to this grade. SIMPLY DEEP (3) won a similar race here two weeks ago over 1350m and the rise to 1650m shouldn’t pose a problem. SKELMORLIE (4) and ALPINE BLAST (6) will settle back but both are capable if the tempo is genuine. ALWAYS A WINNER (1) has been competitive at his past three runs and returns to 1650m off a freshen-up. SCARLETTI (2) should get an ideal run from the draw. LAUNNIE NIGHTS (9) handles this surface and has top 4 claims along with ALPINE TROUT (7).