Good Odds Ocker could not have been more impressive in setting the fastest time in Saturday night's National Derby heats but his chances in next weekend's Group 1 final at Wentworth Park nosedived after the Tracey Hurst-trained greyhound drew box eight.
Good Odds Ocker came from a midfield position unleashing a devastating turn-of-foot to take out the third Derby heat in 29.67.
In that heat, Good Odds Ocker jumped from box two and most of his good runs have come from when he has drawn to closer to the rails, so box eight is not the ideal draw for him.
"He is very quick but Good Odds Ocker doesn't have early speed so I was hoping for a draw close to the rails for him," Hurst said after the Derby box draw.
The Derby draw was kind to the David Murray-trained Sleek Master, who came up with box one, and the John Little-prepared Pedro Cerrano, who drew two.
Sleek Master's part-owner, trainer Murray's son Mark, could not conceal his delight when he plucked the red rug draw for their greyhound while Pedro Cerrano's connections were also beaming with joy at getting box two.
"If Pedro Cerrano can win the final he will be my first group race winner in 60 years as a trainer," Little said.
"I had Classic Isle in a National Distance Championship and was runner-up in a Group 2 Singleton Classic final with another of my dogs, Mag's All Over, but Pedro Cerrano is my best ever prospect."
On sectional times Asa Killa Queen will make the pace in the Derby as the Anthony Azzopardi-trained dog posted initial splits of 5.35 and 13.66 in his heat while Pedro Cerrano, the other likely final pacemaker, stopped the clock at 5.47 and 13.90.
But the inside running could prove a big leveller for Pedro Cerrano with Asa Killa Queen in box four.
Box draw for the Group 1 National Derby at Wentworth Park next Saturday is: 1. Sleek Master 2. Pedro Cerrano 3. Diego Bale 4. Asa Killa Queen 5. Spritely Dancer 6. Magic Spring 7. Nangar Flame 8. Good Odds Ocker. Reserves: 9. France Soir 10. Asa Flying Spur.
