Ed Dunlop will hope for a change of luck when Singapore's two new big money international races take place tomorrow.
The Newmarket trainer has sent Monsajem and Night Style on the long journey to the Far East aiming to come home with a large slice of the £1.5million prize money on offer.
But Dunlop could be excused for thinking his ambition is destined to go unrewarded.
In the feature race of the meeting, the inaugural Singapore Airlines International Cup, Monsajem will start from stall 13, just one from the outside of the 14 runner line up.
And his Singapore Plate entry Night Style has been drawn in stall 14, dubbed the 'coffin box' as it is widely considered to kill off the chances of its occupants.
Dunlop was philosophical about Monsajem's chance: "Realistically he does not have much of a winning chance but the Singapore Turf Club have generously met all our expenses and there is also good prize money on offer down to fifth place."
The trainer was much more upbeat about the chance of Night Style (Gary Carter) in the other international race in the card - the Singapore Plate - also over 10 furlongs.
"Apart from the fact that his outside trawl is not considered ideal, his form in Europe, especially his Group One victory in Italy last autumn entitles him to be a serious player.
"He is a three-year-old taking on older horses but he is very mature so that does not worry me too much."
Carter, also refused to subscribe to the theory that the three-year-old Gran Criterium winner might as well have stayed at home.
"I'm happy enough on the outside because I can keep clear of any trouble," insisted Carter.
"The horse seems in great form. It's just hard to weigh up the opposition as my horse is the only runner from Europe in the Plate."
Monsajem is joined by the Barry Hills trained Showboat in the Cup, although he is also unfavourably drawn in stall 12.
France has two representatives in Olivier Peslier's mount Barbola and likely favourite Jim and Tonic, who bids to emulate the startling performances he has produced in Hong Kong and become one of Europe's biggest-ever money spinners.
The winner of 10 races in all, the Chantilly-trained Jim And Tonic has netted around £1million for his three big race victories in the former colony including a hugely impressive victory in the International Cup at Sha Tin in December.
However on this first venture to Singapore trainer Doumen will not be there to see his horse having been ordered to rest after suffering exhaustion.
His wife Elizabeth, who along with his son Thierry, is supervising Jim And Tonic's preparation said of her husband: "It serves him right. He has been overdoing it for a long time now and would not take any notice of anyone who told him to take things easier."
She was more complimentary about Jim And Tonic, a six-year-old gelding who is owned by Monaco-based Englishman John Martin. "He is an extraordinary horse and he loves to travel. We get the feeling that he is in the same shape as when he won so well in Hong Kong a few months ago."
Frankie Dettori rides Sea Wave, while a number of other leading European jockeys are also in action on Asian-trained horses.
Mick Kinane partners former Paul Cole inmate Carry The Flag, David Harrison rides Holy Grail, champion jockey Kieren Fallon has the leg up on Oriental Express and Darryll Holland takes the mount on Pacific Prince.
The inaugural running of the £1.1million invitational event, the sixth richest race in the world, coincides with the opening of Singapore's state-of-the-art racecourse at Kranji.
The race goes off at 1.40pm GMT and is scheduled to be shown on Channel Four shortly after the start of the Saturday programme with Brough Scott hosting from the Singapore track.
