THE greyhound meeting at Devonport poses a few problems for punters today but there appears to be one good thing on the card and it arrives in the opening race on the 10-event program.
Stylish Monty has been a model of consistency of late with wins at his past three starts and he should extend that winning sequence today.
Stylish Monty will wear the check vest and that should be enough of an advantage to emerge triumphant.
Despite dropping in grade from invitation to a mixed 4/5grade event, he is stepping up in distance to 580 metres.
But his early speed and ideal box draw should give him the edge, although the last 80 metres will put his stamina to the test.
Absoluter Moral (3) is coming off back-to-back wins, the most recent last Thursday night in Hobart where he demolished a handy field over 599 metres and in good time.
Montague Sue has drawn well in box one and if she happened to beat Stylish Monty to the first turn she will be hard to run down.
Wansborough (6) and Camdale Haitch (5) are minor place chances.
The feature events on the card today are the five heats of the Minister’s Gift (3, 5, 6, 7, & 9).
The first heat is wide open with Bill’s Bird (1), Master Bart (4), Buckle Up Man (8) and Bolt (2) the main contenders.
Heat two is just as open with Camdale Wolfe (2), Where’s Ned (5), Bandit’s Mistake (43) and Posh Bluin’ (3) likely to fight out the finish.
Arctic Silver (3) and Dilston Gold (1) are likely to vie for favouritism in heat three with Last start Launceston winner Abira (5) and New Wonder (6) likely to have strong support.
The Shane Whitney-trained Crime Fighter looks ideally drawn in box one to take out the fourth heat but he should have strong opposition from Troublesome Miss (4) and Sting (8).
The final heat (race 9) should see recent Laurels winner Patsy Anne make her way into the Gift final. Should she show the early brilliance she produced to win the Laurels then it would take a smart one to chase her down.
He’s Capable (8), last-start Launceston winner Chinatown Chief (6) and Brother Jack (1) are dangers, should she miss the kick.