PENGUIN trainer Butch Deverell has been at the top of his profession in Tasmania for many years and it's not surprising that he has a good record in the time-honoured Launceston Cup.
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Deverell has won the race twice as a trainer with Big Moose and Akka Boy after previously winning as an owner with Two Codes.
He will be out to improve on that tally at Mowbray tonight when he will be represented by the flying Nooee's Lad.
Deverell has had problems with the greyhound, but hopes that they are now behind him.
``I believe that they have finally been sorted out and despite the fact that he has drawn box 5, he has some chance of winning,'' the trainer said.
Raced by Burnie businessman Craig French, Nooee's Lad has won 15 of his 51 starts and $32,000.
He caused a minor boilover in his semi-final when he started fourth favourite at $5.90 and beat outsiders Faolan ($28) and Mental As Ben ($10).
Victorian visitor Heidi Go Seek started $3 favourite, but was out of business soon after the start from box 8.
Nooee's Lad showed his customary early speed to lead from box 2, but Faolan also began well and matched it with Deverell's speedster most of the way, before Nooee's Lad drew clear to score by 1 1/2 lengths.
Nooee's Lad recorded a time of 29.98 seconds, which made him only the fifth faster qualifier, but his first split of 5.02 was exceptionally quick and, if he can repeat that effort in the final, he will give them something to chase.
Greyhounds tonight will be racing for a first prize of $40,000, with $9600 for second, $4500 for third, $1000 for fourth and $500 for all unplaced runners.
Betting on the big race is expected to be keen, especially on the first-4 where Tattsbet has put a $5000 jackpot into the pool.
The only trainer with multiple representation is Exeter's Anthony Bullock who will be chasing his first Launceston Cup win with Devonport Cup winner Are Ate and his highly talented kennel-mate Hellyeah Bolt.