Gardner’s Devine filly to tackle TAB Federal

Talented filly Devine Miss will most likely head to the TAB Federal (1000m) at Canberra on Friday after drawing poorly in Saturday’s TAB Highway (1200m) at Rosehill. Trainer Norm Gardner would also have to rely on a number of scratchings to get a run in the TAB Highway with Devine Miss the second emergency.

While the 1200m of Rosehill looks to be more favourable for Devine Miss, Gardner believes his filly is going well enough to be competitive in what is a quality TAB Federal field.

“Look, there are a number of tough nuts in the field with Gratz (Vella)’s Major Time and Luke (Pepper)’s Affinity Beyond but she is a filly on the up and I think she’s up to this grade.” Gardner said.

Devine Miss finished off brilliantly in her last start second placing in a strong Class 3 (1000m) over the Wagga Cup Carnival. She will likely go back again here with Gardner hopeful the speed engaged in the race will play right into her hands.

“There is a lot of speed here.” Gardner said. “She’s going to be strong late and hopefully things play out the way we want them too and she’s right in the finish.”

Devine Miss, a three-year-old daughter of Headwater, is yet to miss the podium in her six start career and has amassed over $52,000 in prize money. She will look to add to her impressive record of six starts for two wins, three seconds and a third.

The TAB Federal is Race Five on Friday’s program and is due to jump at 2:50pm.

Big fields are the theme of the day with 142 acceptors including emergencies entered across eight strong races. The race meeting will begin with the Bison Maiden Handicap (1300m) at 12:25pm.

Pictured: Devine Miss wins on John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Race Day in 2022.