Rupee Rebel Marches Into Devonport Chase Mix

TRAINER Allan Clark's chances of securing a second Ladbrokes Devonport Chase title have significantly increased after Rupee Rebel established himself as the frontrunner for next week's $45,000 Group 3 feature in Hobart.

The Tasmanian St. Leger winner will jump from box eight in the 461-metre feature, worth $30,000-to-the-winner, after clocking a slick 25.68 seconds, the fastest of the six heats for owners Simon Milgate and Chelsi Gale.

He jumped from box two ($1.60 fav) and was initially beaten for speed by Cadia Gold in the early stages, before accelerating late in the home straight to secure victory by a length, with Whisky Barrel finishing third.

The winning performance marked the son of Aston Rupee and Lily Lola's tenth win out 20 career starts.

“He is a powerful dog, but he lost some ground by a wide path around the turn,” trainer Allan Clark declared.

“You cannot afford to make mistakes in big races. He is starting much better; he still requires a lot of luck.”

Allan knows what it takes to win the Devonport Chase, having won the race with Black Caleb in 2001.

Rupee Rebel steps up to group race company for the first time in his career, as Allan decided to bypass the recent Group 1 Ladbrokes Hobart Thousand, giving the dog a chance to rest after emerging from juvenile grade.

“I am extremely pleased with the dog; he is very strong – when he opens up in the straight, he has a tremendous burst acceleration,” Allan said.

Talented youngster Seaton romped into the final with a four-length heat win over Highgate Alsie in 25.84.

The son of Shima Shine and My Desiree achieved an impressive five out of five around Hobart for Tasmanian Hall of Famer Ted Medhurst. He raced into his third feature final after recently winning the Devonport Breeders Classic.

Mighty Quinn finished strongly to win his Ladbrokes Devonport Chase heat for Mick Stringer in 25.79.

Remaining heat winners were Ducati Roy in 25.87, Pollinator Ken in 25.81 and Lady Juliette in 26.21.

Group 3 Ladbrokes Devonport Chase Final Box Draw

1. Mighty Quinn
2. Seaton
3. Lady Juliette
4. Ducati Roy
5. Pollinator Ken
6. Ashton
7. Cadia Gold
8. Rupee Rebel
9. Molly Potion (1st Reserve)
10. Don't Tell Arlo (2nd Reserve)