Racing: Devoted too classy for rivals

Laura Cheshire produced a confident and well-judged ride to post an easy victory aboard Devoted at Te Rapa yesterday.

Cheshire had Devoted nicely positioned outside the pace setting Pin Up Boy in the $30,000 (Listed) Te Rapa Supa Centa Sprint and strode clear over the final 100 metres to defeat him by three-quarters of a length, with the same margin back to Amazing One.

The 6-year-old has been a faultless performer for Matamata trainer Jim Gibbs, scoring seven wins and four minor placings from 13 starts.

Devoted carried 56.5kg to victory and won with a great deal in hand, though well-performed stablemate Vaalu was disappointing, finishing in last position after over racing early in the event.

In the previous race, Gibbs produced Kerry O'Reilly in great order when the 5-year-old overpowered a gallant Kajema to win the $20,000 open handicap.

Kerry O'Reilly scored by a length over Kajema, with a further 2 1/4 lengths back to Jack Hobbs.

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Blue Skies ahead

Blue Skies produced a blistering display of front running speed to win the opening event in the hands of Jim Collett.

The Spectatorial-sired 2-year-old filly ran the finishing ability out of the opposition scoring by 1 1/4 lengths over Chant and Lady Classique.

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Multiple successes for Todd

Mark Todd was in commanding form winning three races with Paixanito, Izzat and Belle Mia.

The Cambridge-based trainer produced the well-bred Zabeel-sired 4-year-old mare Paixanito to beat Archillies and Bringbackthebiff.

Izzat, a 3-year-old Almutawakel-sired gelding, scored by 1 1/4 lengths over Willie Ryan and Camponeschi. Belle Mia (Zabeel-Mer Du Sud) won the final event by a length from Pentane and Starliner.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY