Last year the son of Galileo started his preparation first-up in the City Handicap before going on to the Wagga Gold Cup.

Devised finished fifth to Vilakazi Street in last year’s opening feature of the two-day Albury Gold Cup carnival.

Devised will follow a similar path this year — the Murrumbidgee Cup (April 13, which he won last year) and $140,000 Wagga Gold Cup (May 2), when he finished a close second, but this time he has had an additional run.

“I decided to give him an extra run this preparation,” Wagga’s Donnelly said.

“I’ve kept him nice and fresh for the race.

“He’s good in himself and has done well since his first-up run.”

Devised resumed with a 3.4-length sixth to Back To The Bar in a 1200m event under 63 kilograms at Wagga on February 28.

“He was able to put himself closer than usual, which was a good sign,” Donnelly said.

“He’s been very late to mature.

“He’s typical of the Galileo breed, they don’t start reaching their best until they’re six-year-olds.”

Devised was bought by Donnelly from Lloyd Williams and is raced by a diverse group including his wife Tricia and Jeff Ellis.

“I started primary school with Jeff at Finley,” Donnelly said.

“The rest of the syndicate comes from Gundagai, Corowa, Brisbane and Victoria.”

Donnelly said Devised would appreciate the drop to 56.5 kilograms and is happy to have Jake Duffy aboard.

“Jake is a good young rider,” Donnelly said.

“The 1400 metres might be a bit short of his best distance but he’s fresh enough to run well.

“He’ll probably sit back but I expect him to hit the line strongly.”