Last season's Devonport Cup and Raider Stakes winner Devendra should be ready to bounce back into the harness racing winner's circle tonight when he fronts up in the Melfield Tyros Free-For-All (race seven) over 1609 metres at UBET Park Hobart.
The Barrie Rattray-trained gelding has recently returned from a campaign in New South Wales where he won four at Menangle in the care of James Rattray with his last effort in that state a convincing win in the Group 2 Smoken Up Championship final.
He resumed from a spell with a game third in Hobart last Sunday week behind Ardlussa Express and Motu Crusader but that run should have him tuned up for tonight's assignment.
The only query is him coming off the outside of the second line but he has early speed and driver Todd Rattray might opt to use that edge to get into the race early.
The in-form All I Can Be represents the main danger but he is drawn more awkwardly on the inside of the second row but could end up on the back of the leader if The Dip can lead from the pole position.
El Jays Magic is a classy mare that has won her past three impressively but she too has drawn awkwardly on the outside of the front row (gate seven).
It promises to be an interesting race with driving tactics likely to play a major hand in the outcome.
Former star juvenile Palmisano gets his chance to notch another win when he tackles the Pure Steel Pace in a small field of six.
Palmisano's recent form has been far from impressive but should he be able to recapture the a glimmer of the form that he showed as a young horse then he will be the testing material for his rivals.
The first of eight races is scheduled to start at 5.52 (AEST) with the last at 9.32.
Peter Staples