An excellent barrier draw has only strengthened Littorio's hold on favouritism for Saturday's $1.8 million AJC Derby at Randwick.
Littorio, the runner-up in the Victoria Derby in the spring, has drawn barrier two and is now as short as $3.60 in some markets for the Group One classic.
Second favourite Largo Lad will be forced to overcome a wide barrier of 14, but that will suit his racing style of getting back and coming home. He has the services of super hoop Darren Beadman for the race, which will be his first trip over the 2400m.
Dealer Principal, the third favourite, and last-start winner of the Group One Rosehill Guineas, has come up with barrier 10.
Trainer Anthony Cummings couldn't be happier with Dealer Principal, who will be ridden by Peter Robl and said he was confident that the 2400m will not present any problems.
"Very happy with him. His work continues to be good. He's done very well in the stable and he'll run a very good race Saturday," he told Sportal.
Cummings said Littorio was clearly the one to beat. However, Littorio's only win was a Sale maiden nearly 12 months ago, while he has been placed in two Group Ones.
Cummings legendary father Bart's big chance, Book of Kells, will find itself wide on the track after drawing barrier 16. The horse which was narrowly beaten by it in the Tulloch last week, Rios, fared even worse with barrier 17.
Guillotine, the half brother to last year's Melbourne Cup winner Efficient, has drawn the inside barrier, but has lost form since returning from a spell.
AJC Derby, 2400m
1. DEALER PRINCIPAL (Peter Robl) (10)
2. LITTORIO (Corey Brown) (2)
3. KINGDA KA (Blake Shinn) (13)
4. SOLO FLYER (Jay Ford) (9)
5. RIOS (Damien Oliver) (17)
6. BOOK OF KELLS (James Winks) (16)
7. LARGO LAD (Craig Williams) (14)
8. STEEL GIANT (Larry Cassidy) (11)
9. NOM DE JOUR (Jeff Lloyd) (15)
10. GUILLOTINE (Hugh Bowman) (1)
11. RED RULER (Craig Newitt) (6)
12. PRINCE DE GALLES (Glen Boss) (3)
13. EMPERATOR (Danny Nikolic) (7)
14. MY SWEET COOKIE () (8)
15. MUFASA (Nash Rawiller) (5)
16. BUTWAITTHERESMORE (Mark Zahra) (4)
17. ZAZABEAU (Steven Arnold) (12)