Progressive galloper Devon left his run late but managed to carry a hefty weight to victory in the Shellharbour Private Cup (1500m) at Kembla Grange.
Devon has raced consistently throughout his time with the Bede Murray stable with his latest success his second for his current trainer and fourth overall.
The son of Galileo has also notched five minor placings in his 10 outings for the Kembla Grange-based outfit but showed further wins are in store with his fighting win.
Dropping back from Benchmark 70 company to Benchmark 60 company left Devon with 60kg to carry in his $22,000 assignment but a textbook Jeff Penza ride aided the gelding get home.
Penza got Devon across to the inside fence quickly from barrier nine, position his mount behind the leaders to give him a cosy run until the 400 metres.
Penza eased Devon into clear running at the 300 metres but the five-year-old took time to wind up under his heavy weight.
Devon looked set for another minor placing but he lifted late under Penza’s urgings to get home by a nose while giving 4.5kg to the runner-up Rain Alert.
Devon earned a $12,250 winner’s cheque for his brave effort, taking his earnings to more than $57,000.
Congratulations to Devon’s owners – N J Hambrook & N J Hambrook.
© MiStable 2012