Draw a major concern for star’s rivals

IT’S not hard to imagine a collective sigh of despair was exhaled after the release of Saturday night’s Need For Speed Prince Final barrier draw.

Part of a terrific card at Tabcorp Park Melton, the Group One has assembled 11 handy trotters and Wobelee!

Last season’s premier freshman, Wobelee became the first to complete a clean sweep of Victoria’s four two-year-old trotting Group Ones.

With a Group Two also to his credit, the Alison Alford-trained gelding boasts an imposing record of 11 wins and two placings 13 starts.

One of those victories came in a heat of the series last week when Wobelee was first-up from a six-month spell.

Despite his lack of race fitness, the three-year-old worked to the lead from barrier four before rating 1:57.5 over 1720 metres.

“He went very well first-up and has trained on great,” Alford said. “He feels terrific and will improve for that run.”

If Alford’s statement isn’t troublesome enough, Wobelee has drawn the pole in his pending assignment, which has seen the squaregaiter listed as a $1.04 favourite.

“I’m very happy with the draw,” Alford said. “As long as he does everything right, he is going to be extremely hard to beat.”