Former Stawell Gift winner Jacob Despard says Gout Gout has all the pressure on him going into the Easter Classic.

Gout Gout came second taking on older sprinters in Melbourne and one Stawell Gift one rival has questioned whether the teen star’s hype is real.

One rival says he’s “absolutely terrified” of running against teenage sprint sensation Gout Gout but a former Stawell Gift winner says the young gun “hasn’t proven himself” against men ahead of his debut in the Easter Classic.

Gout, 17, has been given a 1m handicap for his maiden appearance in the richest footrace in Australia fresh off coming second to sprint rival Lachlan Kennedy who upstaged the 17-year-old in Melbourne in their most recent meeting over 200m.

Kennedy has been handed a 0.25m handicap, meaning Gout already has a head start and while some of his potential competitors known what the young star can bring, others said the hype brought pressure, including 2018 Stawell Gift champion and Australian relay team member Jacob Despard.

“I’m excited to race Gout and see if the hype is real,” he said.

Lachlan Kennedy beats Gout Gout in Melbourne. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“Gout is an incredible talent, but he’s only 17 and hasn’t proven himself against the men yet. We need to remember he is still a kid. Let him develop and grow without putting too much pressure on him.”

Despard has been given a 1.75m handicap in a race stacked with talent including Jack Hale (2m).

Defending champion Jack Lacey is also returning and knows the challenge in front of him, but also Got

“We have great talent coming with Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy,” he said.

“But there are many great contenders from the Victorian Athletic League this year – Dash Muir (7.75m) from Melbourne, John Evans (9.75m) from Adelaide, but my pick is Patrick Martin.”

Olympian Jacob Despard (far right) wants to see if the Gout Gout hype is real. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Kennedy, who took down Gout at the Maurie Plant meeting in Melbourne, said he was going to Stawell to win.

“Competing at Stawell has always been a goal of mine,” he said.

“The event’s rich history and the opportunity to compete for a big prize purse is exciting. I’m running well and give myself every chance for a win in Stawell.”

Another rival, South Australian, Jesse Cordona, said facing off against Gout had left him “absolutely terrified”.

“Gout’s a superstar!” Cordona said,

“It will be incredible to see him race in person, and honestly, an absolute honour to line up alongside him.”