Shocking Group One draw "knocked wind out of our sails"

A SHOCKING draw has dented confidence ahead of Saturday night's The Hammerhead at Club Menangle.

Winner of his last three starts around the world class venue, Constantinople is in perfect form for the Group One, giving connection's early hope of victory.

After the Luke McCarthy-trained trotter drew barrier 10, however, despair began to settle in.

"It couldn't be much worse," co-owner Jerry Glavas said. "There's no doubt he is ready to go and will run a big race, but the draw has knocked the wind out of our sails.

"He's going to need a fair bit to go his way from there.

"Geez, there are some nice types in the field, as you'd expect at this level, so if he can finish anywhere near the top four it'll be a good effort."

Constantinople moves into eight once the emergencies are taken out of the equation.

Despite the wide draw TAB Fixed Odds have listed the son of Trixton as the $3.50 second favourite, with French-bred squaregaiter, Callmethebreeze, heading the market at $2.20.

Trained by prominent Victorian horseman Anton Golino, Callmethebreeze will begin from gate seven.

Golino will also be represented by Im Ready Jet from the pole, with the mare rated a $15 shot.

"Callmethebreeze is the one to beat, but the draw brings Im Ready Jet right into it," Glavas said. "As I said, it is a strong field, but our bloke is in perfect condition and with the right luck may pull off an upset."