14 March 2018 | Paul Courts
Set to chase the century in Launceston last January, Destreos was stood down by stewards two days before his highly-anticipated appearance.
Having received notification from Racing Analytical Services Limited that Destreos had returned a urine sample above the Cobalt threshold, stewards stood the Ken Rattray-trained gelding down.
Given the all-clear to race, the 14-year-old will resume his attempt to become the third Australasian Standardbred to reach the ton.
Only the immortal Paleface Adios and former Queensland warhorse Cane Smoke have reached triple figures in Australia.
Paleface Adios was the first ‘centurion’, notching the ton at Cranbourne on February 25, 1980 – exactly eight years to the day after he first graced a racetrack.
Paleface Adios eventually registered 108 wins before being retired.
Cane Smoke, which raced until he was 15, won 120 races in a 400-start career.
As for his upcoming assignment, Destreos will begin from barrier two in the Governors’ Cup.
Despite being first-up for nine weeks, the son of Astreos is in good condition according to Rattray.
“He feels great,” Rattray said. “He’s had a short spell and is ready to get back into it.”
“The draw will suit him and hopefully he can get the job done.”
“I’m reasonably confident he can win on Sunday night, so we’ll just have to wait and see how it all works out.”
Second upon debut in Auckland on January 27, 2006, Destreos has had a subsequent 444 starts to hold the southern hemisphere record for the most race appearances.
His record stands at 99 wins and 135 placings for earnings of $807,683.
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