Reigning champ facing difficult title defence

REIGNING champ Valtino faces a difficult title defence this weekend.

Triumphant in last season's Nutrien Sales Series Final as a freshman, Valtino is engaged in tomorrow night's Three-Year-Old Final in Melton.

Being transported to Victoria as this article is written, the trotter will "need a bit of luck" in his quest to retain the crown according to trainer Blake Fitzpatrick.

Though Fitzpatrick is positive he has Valtino in perfect condition, the New South Wales-based horseman is concerned about the colt's barrier draw.

Runner-up behind Derek The Jet in a heat last week, Valtino will begin from gate eight over 2240 metres.

"I can't fault the horse, he has never felt better," Fitzpatrick said. "The big concern is the draw.

"It is almost impossible to make any plans from there, so I will have to roll the dice and see how it plays out at the start.

"As good as he is feeling, he will definitely need a bit of luck in the run."

Citing Derek The Jet as the one to beat, Fitzpatrick is also wary of Val Thorens, which finished third in the qualifier.

Prepared by leading trainer Anton Golino, Val Thorens has drawn to gain an ideal run from barrier two, with Derek The Jet drawn six.

Unbeaten from three starts for Nathan Jack, Derek The Jet is a hot $1.33 TAB Fixed Odds favourite, followed by Valtino at $4.80 and Val Thorens at $5.

"Derek The Jet is the obvious one to beat," Fitzpatrick said. "Val Thorens is going along nicely and has the draw to advantage, so you can't take him lightly."