Draw drag for Despacito

TALENTED greyhound Despacito will have to overcome a horror draw if he is to emerge triumphant in the Group 3 Devonport Cup over 452 metres at the Devonport showground today.

The Mick Stringer-trained dog was the fastest of the eight heat winners last Tuesday, but drawing box five was probably the worst result.

Despacito was a gallant third in the Group 1 Hobart Thousand behind Leeroy Rogue, and he took that form into his Cup heat last week. But Stringer is mindful of the importance of drawing a suitable box in a final.

“Had this final been run in Hobart, I wouldn’t have been bothered but so many things are going to have to go right for him to win from box five in Devonport,” Stringer said.

“The dog is low flying at the minute and he showed that by the way he won his heat last week.

“I have no doubt that, if he gets clear racing room to the first turn, he will be the one to beat but it’s all a case of whatifs.

“It’s a very even field and the dog that gets the luck will win.”

Despacito is owned by Victorian Seona Thompson, who trained the dog until he was sent to Stringer to keep during and after his Hobart Thousand campaign.

“The pan was always for the dog to stay with me until he finishes his racing career.

“He will more than likely contest the Launceston Cup series next month and then stay on for some free-for-alls or until he’s had enough of racing.”

Just Browsing takes impeccable form into the final, having won his past six including his impressive Cup heat win last week clocking 25.72 without having to be fully tested.

Hello Nugget, a litter brother to Peco Can, could challenge for favouritism from box three given he has a best time of 25.36 over the 452 metres in Devonport which is lengths better than most of his rivals.

He failed to produce anywhere near that in winning his heat (25.79) but he is at his best when in front and gets that opportunity from the draw.

Lenard’s Boy has drawn the coveted inside alley so that enhances his chances while the Eric Haldane-trained Corikodi wears the check vest that should help his cause.

The Devonport Cup, which offers prizemoney of $25,000 to the winner, was denied two star entries in Hobart Thou- sand winner Leeroy Rogue and Peco Can, which was runnerup in the Thousand.

Leeroy Rogue has been retired due to a back muscle injury and has returned to the property of his Queensland owner, most likely to embark on a stud career, while Peco Can has suffered a minor leg injury but is expected to be back racing within a fortnight.