Takeover Target's hopes of winning back-to-back KrisFlyer International Sprints rose on Thursday after he drew a favourable barrier for the $907,000 event.
The champion sprinter was given gate three of 14 in the 1200m sprint, while Singapore champion Rocket Man drew awkwardly in barrier nine.
And there was also good news for Australian gallopers Sarrera and Pompeii Ruler, which drew barriers one and two respectively in the Singapore International Cup (2000m).
A natural frontrunner, Takeover Target's inside draw is a big boost to his chances as he will not have to work as hard early to get across the field.
Jockey Jay Ford, who had his first ride on Takeover Target on Thursday since his Goodwood success on May 2, said his mount was fit and in excellent shape.
He considered Rocket Man and Hong Kong pair Sacred Kingdom, which has gate one, and Inspiration as the hardest horses to beat.
Trainers Mick Price and Michael Moroney arrived in Singapore on Thursday to apply the finishing touches to their horses' Singapore campaigns.
Price said he liked what he saw of Pompeii Ruler, who had a light workout on the Polytrack at Kranji.
"You do worry about a few things when you send a horse away, but this is a good environment to work a horse in," he told the Singapore Turf Club website.
"But in saying that you have to be careful in not doing too much with them because of the humidity."
Sarrera had a short gallop, working home his final 200m in 12.6 seconds.
"He's a good old traveller and seems to have settled in quite well," Moroney said.
"It was a nice piece of work and he goes into the race in good order."
Sarrera's only two Group One victories have come the right-handed way of going in Sydney and Brisbane, which Moroney admitted was a concern.
Singapore, like Victoria, runs its races in an anti-clockwise direction.