The outside barrier draw looks pretty rough at first glance for The Diamond One in the group 1 1600m weight-for-age classic at Otaki tomorrow.
But Wingatui trainer Claire Anderton is taking the barrier 10 in her stride ahead of her mare's big assignment.
Anderton had to cop a barrier draw of 14 at Te Aroha in the New Zealand Breeders Stakes last season, and was downcast when she first saw the draw for tomorrow's $200,000 feature.
"I was a bit gutted when I first saw it, but it's probably not as bad as it could be,'' Anderton said.
"To be honest, she's probably better coming from a little bit off them and chasing them.
"Hopefully they'll run along in front a bit and she can slot in and have the last run at them.''
The Diamond One and Anderton arrived at the Otaki property of Howie Mathews with fellow Wingatui top-liner Tommy Tucker and his minder, Ryan Anderton, on Wednesday afternoon.
"She settled in great,'' Anderton said.
"She had a trot and canter [yesterday morning] and she feels pretty bright. It's her third trip up here so she's pretty used to it.''
Anderton has retained Invercargill jockey Daniel Bothamley for the ride.
He has been aboard the 6yr-old for all three starts this season, including an inch-perfect ride to win the White Robe Lodge Handicap last month.
"He knows her now so it wouldn't have been easy to put someone else on at this stage,'' she said.
"I'm more than happy to bring him up.''
