Steve Christie’s preview and staking plan for Devonport Sunday

COLD AZA BEER (2) led at Hobart last week and held on okay. Blinkers go back on and this is easier. CALLED THROUGH (1) has hit the line every run this preparation and been close on a couple of occasions. Chance if able to be within striking range on the turn. Couldn’t find an excuse for the last start odds-on favourite LIGHT WORK (5). A bit more depth here but has a case. The 1650m could be more suitable for AWESOME ORPHAN (4) but she needs to lift. STARCRACKER (6) and STRIP’N’TOUGH (7) first-4 claims.

COLONEL BOGEY (2) is back from a break. A beaten favourite in four of his six career starts but unlucky on a couple of occasions and has also met some handy opposition along the way. No exposure to the synthetic on race-day but is a two-time trial winner here. HOULIHAN (10) adds plenty of interest. Was one of the top fancies on debut but failed to finish, pulling up lame. Has been given plenty of time. Draws ideally, trial winner in quick time and returns wearing blinkers. COOL AS YOU (3) was doing his best work late first up after settling at the tail. Blinkers go back on and takes beating. LUCKY COUNTRY (7) gave a good account in a similar race at Hobart and can be competitive.

BLAMEITONTHEBOOGIE (1) was a class above his rivals first-up bolting in x 3.5 lengths in slick time. Clear top pick. ZUNI (6) the main danger. She’s put together a strong preparation and chased a good one home last Sunday. GARCON D’ESPOIR (2) has trialled nicely and capable of showing up fresh. PLATINUM REGGAE (8) was the best of the beaten brigade behind Blameitontheboogie a fortnight ago. Place claims again. DANCING WOLF (4), GET ’EM WARRIOR (7) and SWINGING IT (10) warrant consideration for first 4’s.

Tricky race on paper with the better credentialled runners all drawing awkwardly. STARDARMUS (5) hasn’t won for some time but has been racing consistently and looks close to another win. SIMPLY DEEP (3) took charge last time leading by a big margin and was run down in the straight. Looks better placed back at this trip.   STAR TERRITORY (4) finished off solidly last time and should be thereabouts again. LAUGH WITH ME (9) is a big market watch having her first local start. She handles all surfaces, including two wins on the Pakenham synthetic.  WHIPPIN PICCADILLY (1) would be competitive on his best form but has drawn awkwardly and needs to improve on recent efforts. KIREINA MARUBRAH (6) has been off the scene for 9 months and usually takes a run or two to come to hand. GEE GEE CAN WIN (11) first 4 claims.

KNIGHTS REIGN (4) is rock hard fit and brings strong form into this. Will roll forward and take catching. TIKKEN (2) a major danger after an impressive maiden win and a very solid effort here a fortnight ago. Maps for a much better run than last time. WALTZING MATILDA (5) was beaten 4.5 lengths in Hobart but had little luck in the straight and can improve sharply, although the wide gate a challenge. TOO MUCH TOO SOON (7) comes through the same race after finishing well back but is capable of better. NUNKERI (6) has been racing consistently and shouldn’t be far away. RESPITE (8) had every hope behind Taroona but has to be included amongst the chances returning to this level.

MEL’S STREET ABOVE (10) wears blinkers on for the first time and could represent value in a very open affair. From barrier one she looks capable of finding the lead if ridden positively, much like her recent Longford trial win. She might be difficult to run down. Last-start winner PARTY DAY (6) has the speed to offset the middle draw and cross early. She had to work hard to score over 1150m last time, so the slight drop back in trip looks a positive. GLADDING (1) resumes since breaking through on Devonport Cup Day earlier this year. He has good ability but the awkward gate makes things tougher. WILD DANCER (3) makes his first local appearance after cruising home in a Longford trial, although the overall time was very slow. Market confidence the best guide. CELTIC ROSE (7) has each-way claims fresh if she can reproduce the form that saw her place behind Sanniya in the Carpet Charge back in January. WILD NIGHTS (11) has been racing consistently in similar company and maps to get a suitable run, while DINA TYCOON (5) is naturally quick and gets in well with the claim.

CHEROKEE DANCER (1) stands out as the obvious top pick. She’s a mare in winning form and it’s hard not to like her chances again here. Stablemate THOROS OF MYR (3) looks the main danger. He went too hard in the lead last start and should be nearing peak fitness now third-up. Drawn to lead from barrier two and capable of giving a sight. Raffle the rest of them. BOLD INSTINCT (5) perhaps next best, but needs to improve to challenge the top pair. CAPTAIN CAM (7) hasn’t won for over a year, though his recent trial was encouraging and he does have some fresh form. SHY GUY (2) and THE LONGEST YARD (4) will likely find these too sharp but are capable of sneaking into the exotics. Tougher here for last start winner MISS KEEDS (8) drawn the outside.

ALWAYS A WINNER (1) settled too far back last start but hit the line strongly and the rise in distance is a positive. ALPINE TROUT (4) similarly will  relish stepping up in trip and draws for an economical run. THIN RED LINE (5) had to do all the chasing here a fortnight ago and there was plenty of merit in the win.  SCARLETTI (2) came through the same race but the 1880m a slight query. TOGANMAIN (6) did himself no favours at Hobart after being slowly away and never got into the race. Looks a likely improver and gets blinkers back on.  SKELMORLIE (3), LAUNNIE NIGHTS (8) next best.