There was a big turnout at Rosehill Gardens on Tuesday morning for the barrier draw of the $5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper.
Jockeys, trainers and owners alike were all in attendance hoping to snag a favourable barrier for the world’s richest two-year-old race on turf.
The James Cummings-trained and race favourite Cylinder did his hopes no harm when Godolphin representative Jason Walsh pulled out barrier three in what looks to be an ideal starting position for the son of Exceed And Excel.
The two other ‘blue army’ contingent Barber and Exploring were not disadvantaged drawing alongside each other in gates eight and nine.
Second favourite Learning To Fly was also benefited when Coolmore’s Tom Magnier plucked out gate four from the barrel, as the unbeaten Justify filly looks to add to her picket fence.
In contrast, the perpetually unlucky I Am Invincible progeny Blanc De Blanc has continued her run of wide draws with gate 12 being selected by James Harron. At her past four appearances, the Michael Freedman-prepared youngster has had to contend with gates 11 of 12, 10 of 11, 12 of 16 and 11 of 11 whilst still managing to hit the frame.
Noted speedsters Steel City and Red Resistance have also drawn poorly in gates 15 and 17 respectively, meaning they will most likely be forced to go forward to get across the large field.
Last weekend’s Pago Pago winner Shinzo has drawn the inside alley with the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained colt Empire Of Japan jumping out next to him in barrier two.
The 67th running of the coveted juvenile feature will take place at 4.45pm this Saturday afternoon.