Devonport Preview, Tuesday March 17

WILL he or won't he?

That's the question punters will be asking leading into race eight at Devonport this afternoon when in all likelihood Wind Waker sails to a comfortable early lead from his box eight draw.

But whether he finds the line well enough to claim victory in the 452 metre contest remains the $64,000 question.

Early betting markets have the race shaping up as a two-dog battle between Stylish Dash ($1.85) from box two for Anthony Bullock and Wind Waker for Eileen Thomas in box eight ($2.60).

Wind Waker has been a terrific money-spinner for Thomas throughout his 46 start career – as honest as the day is long.

Blessed with sensational early speed, the son of Magic Sprite has won eight races with a further 18 minors, the vast majority of those placings coming after setting up early race leads.

At Devonport over the 452 metres his form is very good, stepping out on 11 occasions for three wins and four minors. His PB 25.79.

The three year old heads into today's assignment on the back of four successive Hobart placings, his last victory five runs back at Launceston over the 278 metre scamper in 16.22.

Rarely led in his races, Wind Waker runs into the talented Stylish Dash this afternoon which put the writing on the wall for a forward performance next time out with a terrific second to classy chaser Frampton at Hobart on Thursday.

Drawn nicely in box two, Stylish Dash last scored at Devonport in mid January but since that success has been racing in better company than what she meets today.
Nine races are to be decided at Devonport today and I doubt there's a greyhound in training more deserving of a breakthrough victory than Rookie Ronaldo.

And the son of Fabregas gets his chance today, taking his place from box one for trainer Josh Wright.

The well-bred type has had 14 career starts for eight placings and with the benefit of box one today won't get a better chance to crack it for his first career success.

It may well be the start of a good afternoon for Wright who has four runners engaged on the program.

Hello Lenny is given a good chance in race four from box six while Speedy Deneholme is also in discussions from box seven in race five.

Wright's afternoon finishes off in race nine where Willie Falls, a brother to Rookie Ronaldo, takes his place as favourite from box four in the 452 metre grade five affair.

BETTING PLAN, DEVONPORT TUESDAY MARCH 17

Favourite punters had a good time of it last night in Launceston and today the racing moves to Devonport for a nine-race program. It looks a day where perhaps a little more value will be available with Noah Bolt (race 4) and Bound for Blue (race 7) in particular appearing over the odds in their respective races.

R1 Surepick, 452m

Race Breakdown: ROOKIE RONALDO (1) has excellent early pace having a best first split of 5.92 to go with other smart runs of 5.94 and 6.03 on the Devonport track. He looks a great chance of finding the front based on those times and has a consistent record of six placings from nine starts over the 452m. He remains winless which is a concern. BLACKWOOD RAGE (2) hasn't got the early sections to match ROOKIE RONALDO (1) but has comparable overall times including a terrific 26.00 run here a few starts back. Could follow the red in the run to the bend and would be a great chance if he can hold a forward position.

Staking Strategy: BLACKWOOD RAGE (2) may receive a nice run from the draw and has some solid recent race times. Betting Plan: BLACKWOOD RAGE (2) 1 unit to WIN

R2 Ladbrokes Back Yourself, 452m

Race Breakdown: RACHAEL (1) was a fast winner in a heat last time out in Launceston from the same box and won from the red over the short trip in an equally impressive overall time before that. She is still looking for her first Devonport win after eight attempts but get a great chance to achieve that here from the inside draw. OVER THE MEASURE (7) has early pace and is consistent but has had chances to win at his last two starts. Include as a place option only.

Staking Strategy: From the top draw, RACHAEL (1) can bring up her first official Devonport win. Betting Plan: RACHAEL (1) 2 units to WIN

R3 Ladbrokes, 452m

Race Breakdown: CASINO ACE (5) delivered on some promising recent efforts with a brilliant all-the-way win in Hobart on Thursday night. He ran tremendous sectional times on his way to a brilliant 25.88, just outside the best time of the night. He does face a difficult box draw here however he looks hard to beat with a clean run early. TO THE MOON (2) is consistent and looks a solid place option from the inside draw. FERNIE (7) has won her last two starts from similar boxes in Launceston in quick time and her last run here at Devonport from the same draw was terrific.

Staking Strategy: FERNIE (7) is in top form and has shown she can handle the wide draws of late. Betting Plan: FERNIE (7) 1 unit to WIN

R4 Ladbrokes, 452m

Race Breakdown: NOAH BOLT (3) has run some excellent races at Launceston at his last few starts including a smart, 30.05 run two starts back. He has appreciated being drawn near the fence with all hos four career wins coming from the inside boxes. There is some decent pace in the field, but he has shown he can begin well on occasion running 5.05 for the first split at Launceston. STICKA FANTASY (1) is extremely consistent having placed at 16 of his 17 Devonport starts. Just the one win is a concern and looks a terrific place option again here. HELLO LENNY (6) looks suited in this class.

Staking Strategy: NOAH BOLT (3) is nicely boxed near the fence and has impressive Launceston form. Betting Plan: NOAH BOLT (3) 1 unit to WIN

R5 Ulverstone Pet Foods, 452m

Race Breakdown: ATLEY QUICK (5) had no luck at his first run back from a break a fortnight ago when he was checked ad held wide around the bend when making his run. There is good pace in this field however he shouldn't get too much pressure from box six early and the two runners to his inside like to rail meaning he may get a chance to drive to the lead before the bend. LILY LOLA (2) is racing in career best form however she likes to race wide and jumps significantly in class here. IT'S FLETCH (1) should get room early when LILY LOLA (2) heads wide and he has been very consistent of late.

Staking Strategy: Hard to split ATLEY QUICK (5) and IT'S FLETCH (1) with his inside advantage and we should get even money taking both. Betting Plan: ATLEY QUICK (5) 1 unit to WIN. IT'S FLETCH (1) 1 unit to WIN

R6 Ladbrokes, 452m

Race Breakdown: FLASH COMET (3) has been racing in great form coming mostly from poor box draws. She ran a great second to Tah Matt here last month and looks better suited from the draw on this occasion. There is a wide runner in box four and a consistent beginner who rails in box two so she may get some room in the early stages. RYAN KEEPING (5) had too much speed for a similar field recently when he won from the same draw. BLACKWOOD VEGAS (8) ran a top race from a wide draw last start when she worked across and found the fence around the home turn.

Staking Strategy: FLASH COMET (3) has been racing well from poor box draws and looks suited in this race. Betting Plan: FLASH COMET (3) 2 units to WIN

R7 Ladbrokes, 452m

Race Breakdown: KIANDRA (1) comes up with red box number seven form her past 12 race starts. She seemed to have every chance to win last start and has had similar chances before that however her last win was almost five-months ago. BOUND FOR BLUE (7) has been poor of late but her best times are considerably quicker than most of her opposition in this race. She has a great record from outside draws and looks a chance if she can bring her best. LEISHMAN (5) has a tough draw but he was able to overcome it when winning last start.

Staking Strategy: If she can bring her better form, BOUND FOR BLUE (7) will be hard to beat. Betting Plan: BOUND FOR BLUE (7) 1 unit to WIN

R8 Ladbrokes.com.au, 452m

Race Breakdown: STYLISH DASH (2) showed brilliant speed here in the Reg and Aileen Ivory Classic Final last week leading a quality field through the second section before fighting well to be only a length from the winner at the finish. She backed that up with an equally impressive performance in Hobart on Thursday. Looks a great chance here if she can cross the red early and find the front. She will be challenged by WIND WAKER (8) who has excellent early pace and can handle a wide draw as he has shown at Hobart recently.

Staking Strategy: STYLISH DASH (2) may have a stronger run home than WIND WAKER (8) and is certainly fit enough after two runs inside a week. Betting Plan: STYLISH DASH (2) 2 units to WIN

R9 Custom Resources & Recruitment, 452m

Race Breakdown: WILLIES FALLS (4) has raced consistently on the Devonport track running some solid times and looks a decent each-way hope in an evenly matched race despite the tricky draw. TOTTENHAM LASS (1) had her last win almost a year ago however she ran a great race from this box two starts back. VRONTIOS (5) drops in distance and in class on his recent efforts. Looks a decent winning chance in this field if he can hold a forward position in the run to the bend.

Staking Strategy: VRONTIOS (5) is still racing in great form at over five-years of age. He looks suited in this class. Betting Plan: VRONTIOS (5) 1 unit to WIN