Grills’ Pinch test for Cup

TRAINER Paul Grills is banking on a tactical riding change continuing to get the best out of Devils Pinch in the Jacaranda Cup (1100m) at Grafton today.

Devils Pinch was ridden off speed in the Cup Prelude last start and produced a powerful late surge to nearly rundown all-the-way winner La Dolce Vita. Grills would like Devils Pinch ridden in a similar style today and expects the gelding to be in the finish.

“If he goes forward early in his races he does have a tendency to over-race,’’ Grills said.

“But last start he came from off speed and he hit the line really well.’’

Devils Pinch has drawn nicely in barrier two but with the race tempo likely to be solid today, jockey Peter Graham will be able to settle the five-year-old gelding off speed with cover. Devils Pinch hasn’t won since August last year but Grills feels the sprinter is working his way back to form.

“He is racing well and should be very competitive,’’ Grills said. “I think he will be around the money.”