Weekend Hussler's versatility will be put to the test this Saturday after he drew the extreme outside for the G1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.
After a string of favourable barriers this spring, Weekend Hussler was handed gate 13 in the 13-horse field for the Turnbull where he will step up to 2000m for the first time in his career.
Pompeii Ruler, who ran second in the Underwood Stakes to Weekend Hussler, drew ideally in gate two, Maldivian has barrier seven, while Sydney star Tuesday Joy has 11.
Weekend Hussler's wide draw did not stop TAB Sportsbet from installing him as a $1.60 favourite, while $1.65 was available for Sportingbet Australia and Michael Eskander's Betstar.
Pompeii Ruler ($7) was second favourite ahead of Tuesday Joy ($10), Littorio ($12), who has gate four, and Maldivian ($15).
While trainer Ross McDonald was not concerned with Weekend Hussler's barrier, Mick Price, who trains Pompeii Ruler, said the draw was far from ideal for the favourite.
"I don't care what anybody says. They more often than not get beaten out there," he said.
"You hear them say it just gives you better odds, of course you get better odds. You get better odds because they get beaten more."
"Thirteen out of 13 is not ideal, I don't care what horse he is and who he is."
Where Weekend Hussler will settle in the field will dominate pre-race discussions for the Turnbull.
McDonald has in the past said his wonder horse could win whether he settled on the pace, midfield or out the rear but was tight-lipped when asked what his tactics would be for the Turnbull.
"No one will know until the barriers open what we're going to do," McDonald said.
"Everyone will be doing a lot of thinking to try and beat us. We've got the horse they all have to beat. And the good thing with him is we can place him wherever we want to place him."
Price tipped rank outsider Extend, who will join fellow Lloyd Williams-owned horses Zipping and Efficient in the Turnbull, to be the likely frontrunner, with Pompeii Ruler likely to be just off the pace.
"Ideally we're one off (the rail) and we come off them at the top of the straight and get taken into the race and have plenty of room," he said.
"He won't be getting back, not over 2000m."
Mark Kavanagh said Extend and not Maldivian would lead.
"They're all going to expect us to lead," he said. "If I was them I wouldn't be holding my breath."