Tasracing

Spreyton trainer Leanne Gaffney was on top of the world in Devonport on Wednesday where her talented four-year-old captured the Ladbrokes Devonport Cup and she is hoping her run of success continues in Launceston on Friday.

Gaffney will take three to the races with them all winning chances.

She opens with her unraced two-year-old Blushed that Denise Martin of Star Thoroughbreds paid $41,000 for at last year’s South Australian Magic Millions Sale.

The filly has won both her trials and looks a ready-made runner.

“Blushed is a very hot filly that will jump and run,” Gaffney said.

“She has done all we’ve asked of her so far, but this race will tell us where she fits in the big picture.”

Gaffney saddles up her star filly Deroche in the Steve’s Liquor 3YO Vase over 1120 metres in which she is likely to start a very short-priced favourite.

With two of the six acceptors unlikely to start, Deroche could start as short as $1.04 to take out the $30,000 feature, given the ease with which she won a strong benchmark 74 handicap against the older and more experienced horses in Devonport late last month.

The daughter of Needs Further scored by 4-1/2 lengths and it could have been a greater margin had jockey Craig Newitt desired.

“I can’t fault Deroche’s work since her last win, but sometimes small fields throw up surprises.

“I would be very surprised if she didn’t win because she has improved since her last start and she won that race by almost five lengths, untouched.

The stable’s final runner for the day is Upwind that is on trial for a Tasmanian Derby start.

Upwind scored an emphatic win last start in Devonport over 1650 metres and jockey Craig Newitt said the gelding would relish more ground.

“We would like to think Upwind will love stepping up to 2100m, but you never know for sure until they tackle the trip in a race.

“Craig (Newitt) seems to think he will handle the extra distance, so I hope he’s right.”

Watch Deroche score a comfortable win in Devonport last start.