Second Leg of Winning Treble

In the same favouritism boat as winning stable-mate Handsome Rebel (Denman), Devil May Care (4 g Lonhro - Devil's Song, by Stravinsky) provided rider Opie Bosson with his second comfortable victory on 14 March at Matamata.

Contrasting in pattern - Handsome Rebel was on pace - Bosson settled Devil May Care back in the field, stood the leader six lengths at 600m, but whistled around stylishly on straightening and the rangy gelding gobbled his rivals up without requiring the persuader.

“He feels nice when he lets down,” Bosson concluded.

Returning $1.50, on Dead6 going, Devil May Care ran the 1200 metres in 1:11.2 and last 600m in 35.8.

An effortless trial winner on 15 February at Taupo, Devil May Care resumed off 97 days in the $10,000 Tokoroa Club Maiden Colts & Geldings 1200 metres, having recorded a second and two thirds from three starts in his first campaign.

Bred and owned by Sir Peter Vela (Pencarrow Stud), Devil May Care is from the family of New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Vapour Trail (Jetball): winner of the New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m), and Welcome Stakes (Listed, 1000m) winner Encosta Diablo (Encosta De Lago), with good horses from the breed shown to string a few wins together.

“It's always a thrill to win a race for the blue & whites,” said Te Akau principal David Ellis.

“The boys (Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards) had the horse at peak after a terrific trial win and he won really nicely. Sir Peter (Vela) has given us three beautiful yearling fillies to train and horses with the Pencarrow brand (V in box) are always good quality.”

Devil May Care became the sixth winner in a week for Te Akau, from 14 runners, and Ellis was complimentary of the efforts by everyone involved.

“It's great for our owners that the whole team is going particularly well, incredible form really, and last Saturday we passed the $3 million mark in prize money for the season. We've won 14 black type races, more than any other stable, and it's the result of great staff and a total team effort. They all work hard, give 1000% and the rewards are there for everyone to see. I'm really proud of them all because we're having a terrific season,” he said.

Co-trainer Jamie Richards revealed Devil May Care has had to overcome setbacks in order to win.

“He's a horse that has had a few issues along the way, but the team at Pencarrow, Leon (Casey) and racing manager Garry Cossey, have been patient and it's lovely to win another race for Sir Peter, in his famous colours.

“We had a little issue at Taranaki, where he played up in the gates (subsequently late scratched) and had to trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards.

“He's a work in progress, but hopefully he can keep moving through the grades. He doesn't mind give in the ground, so he's in work at the right time of year.”

Devil May Care was strapped by Simon Buckley.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz