Godolphin star Kirklees firmed into favouritism for the race yesterday after drawing barrier seven.

Vigor and Predatory Pricer drew barriers 22 and 16 respectively.

Only four horses have won the race from outside gate 11 in the past 22 years Mummify (13 in 2003), Mannerism (13 in 1992), Let's Elope (17 in 1991) and Lord Reims (18 in 1987).

Despite Vigor drawing the widest barrier, part owner Jason Mathie of Titan Thoroughbreds was confident the one-time favourite would feature prominently.

Mathie said Vigor was better suited to an outside gate, after he was battered by bigger horses from barrier one during his disappointing 13th in the Group1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) last start.

''He's a fairly little horse when you look at him in comparison to other horses,'' Mathie said.

''He's probably not the type you'd want running in and around other horses. He's going to get cramped and he's not big enough to push other horses out of the way.

''So I'd rather him on the outside.''

Predatory Pricer's part owner Ron Foster was equally unfazed by his four-year-old's wide barrier, which also bumped him from equal favouritism yesterday.

Foster said Predatory Pricer would race off the speed, meaning the wide gate was fine.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times