Dawson's Stylish Devonport Claims

TRAINER Anthony Dawson is more hopeful than confident that Stylish Hugh will put his best foot forward in today's Custom Resources & Recruitment Stake (452m) at Devonport.

Winner at five of his 33 career starts, the son of Barcia Bale has been installed the $3.40 second favourite for race six today at Devonport, behind rock solid favourite Leprechaun Dance, quoted at $1.85 for trainer Gary Johnson.

"He's a wide runner so from box two he really needs to jump with them at least," told Dawson.

"I thought he was unbeatable the other week at Hobart; he was back in class and had box eight but when I put him in the boxes he was pushing back against me so I knew he was going to miss the start. And he did."

From a terrific litter that's won over 60 races, Dawson bred Stylish Hugh but has only trained the February 2017 whelp for his past six outings.

"He had a really bad fall at Launceston last April and it knocked around his confidence … he had a long time off," Dawson explained.

"The main thing with today is that he at least steps with them but he hasn't begun his past few starts. He's got the ability to win it, he'll hold his line early. He looks to get up the track when he gets to the corner."

Back on December 17, Stylish Hugh rattled off a smart 25.70 Devonport victory for the 452 metres, with today's assignment well within reach with a repeat of that performance.

"But he had box eight that day which was perfect for him," pointed out Dawson.

Dawson takes a two-pronged attack into today's Devonport card with Stylish Macbeth a $5 chance in race nine, a grade 5 over the 452 metres.

Runner-up at her past two appearances at Devonport and Hobart in good company, Stylish Macbeth is a six-time winner that looks poised to add to that record with luck in running today.

To do so however she'll need to get the better of race favourite Rusty The Crow, the $2.05 elect boasting a sizzling personal best time at the circuit of 25.54.