Stablemates set to clash

By Jordyn Bublitz

Ōtaki trainer Wendy Devenport returns to Palmerston North Raceway today with a handy two-pronged attack, but this time there’s no dividing line, her pair will meet head-on in Race 2, the Masonic Motel Mobile Pace.

It follows a mixed bag on Sunday, where her stablemates The Elite Athlete and Who’s Your Dragon produced vastly different narratives.

The Elite Athlete arguably should have gone close to featuring in the finish, only to have his chances undone at a crucial stage. Copping a heavy check at the 400m when the runner in front broke stride, he was shuffled out of contention before picking himself up to hit the line strongly.

Devenport was left ruing what might have been.

“He was carted back at a crucial time, the horse in front of him just went off stride,” she said.

Despite the interruption, there was encouragement in the run.

“He seems to have pulled up okay, usually he backs up well, sometimes he even goes better on the second day!”

In contrast, Who’s Your Dragon delivered the stable a result, and did it with authority. Sent forward early, the improving gelding worked to the lead and dictated terms from there, kicking strongly to hold off challengers after carving out a slick 58.2 last half, scoring by three-quarters of a length.

It was a performance that underlined his upward trajectory.

“He’s been my work in progress, the more racing he gets the more he improves!” Devenport said.

“We’ve gotten to know him a bit better, a big thanks to Kate Coppins, she’s helped me out immensely with him.”

Importantly heading into the quick backup, he’s thrived post-race.

“He’s come through it well and he’s eaten up, he seems very bright.”

Now, the focus shifts to today’s assignment, where the stablemates square off in what shapes as a tactical contest.

Devenport admits separating the pair isn’t straightforward.

“It really depends on the runs they get, The Elite Athlete likes a cozy run, he couldn’t sit parked, but he has got a bit of a sprint!”

“Who’s Your Dragon will like a good pace, so it will all depend on how the race is run.”

Pressed to lean one way, she gives a slight nod, with conditions attached.

“If I absolutely had to split them, I’d favor The Elite Athlete if he gets the right run.”

With one bringing winning form and the other hard-luck credentials, the Devenport duo add a compelling layer to the early part of day two.