But on further inspection, the draws for Onedin Mach (4yr-old emerald) and Titan Banner (3yr-old emerald) could be just what his two pacers were after.
A draw of 12 did not pan out for Anderson's only previous runner at the Jewels when Ballindooley galloped in the one-off 5yr-old emerald in 2013 before recovering to run ninth.
But a study of the front line - and the result of a trial on Saturday - has given Anderson much more confidence about Onedin Mach's draw of 1 on the second row, following out Ideal Success.
''Originally it was a little bit disappointing, but Ideal Success trialled up really well the other day at Ashburton and left the gate really well,'' Anderson said at Forbury Park yesterday morning.
''The ideal early scenario I could see is that Tiger Tara will lead, Ideal Success might be second and we might be third, three-back on the fence. At Ashburton, in that kind of race, that will be ideal for him.
''It's feet-on-the-ground stuff really, but if he can get three-back the fence like I read the race, he's a great chance of running a place.''
The TAB bookmakers are not so sure, as they are offering $51 for an Onedin Mach win, and $8 for a place.
That loose price is understandable, given the 4yr-old emerald field looks
one of the strongest in the Jewels history, despite the scratching of Dalton Bromac.
Sky Major, who is drawn on the immediate outside of Onedin Mach, was a $2.20 favourite yesterday ahead of Tiger Tara ($3) and Te Kawau ($6).
There is slightly more love for Titan Banner in the 3yr-old emerald, as he sits at $36 and $5.50 in the fixed-odds market.
With emergency Livura unlikely to make the field, Titan Banner will follow out smart beginner Art Union and should not have to go around many horses until the closing stages.
''I think both of them have good draws,'' he said.
''They're both going to be close to the rails and following out good horses. They're not going to get too involved early.
''With a bit of luck, my guy is going to punch up behind Art Union - he's going to be one-off in a reasonably handy position.''
The Jewels was not on the horizon for Titan Banner at the start of the year, and Anderson says the son of Art Major will be better next year.
''He's a work in progress - as you can see, he's quite leggy,'' he said.
''He's right up to the best of them, but just not right now - probably a little bit off the top due to inexperience, but he'll get there one day.''
Anderson has been around racing long enough to know that miracles are rare - but that's not to say they never happen.
''I'm not expecting anything - I'm just going there because they got in,'' he said.
''I'm off the radar which is nice, but things happen in racing and there have been a few upset results in Jewels.''