Devoted will be looking to showcase his improvement when he steps out as the favourite for the Listed Raconteur Stakes (1400m) at Belmont Park Racecourse on Saturday.
The three-year-old gelding by Xtravagant returned in dominant fashion, winning a 72+ 1400m by 2.5 lengths first-up.
It was his first ever run under new trainer Michael Grantham who continues to impress with regular winners and improving the performance of many gallopers.
Devoted had already displayed his ability last preparation with a third in the Group 2 SKY Racing-W.A. Guineas, but it’s this preparation that could set him up for a tilt at the Group 1 Furphy-Railway Stakes and Group 1 Drummond Golf-Kingston Town Classic later in the year.
Clint Johnston-Porter will remain in the saddle, hoping to make it back-to-back successful weekends after he won the Group 3 Furphy-Belmont Sprint on God Has Chosen last Saturday.
Devoted will have to be at his best, with last start winners Rokanori and Above The Peg in the race, plus proven performers at this level including Liwa, Searchin’ Roc’s and Stay Safe all taking their place.