Jim And Tonic's bid for a repeat win in the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup was not helped when he was handed an outside draw today.
The French horse will start from stall 12 in a 13-runner field for Sunday's Group Two mile-and-a-quarter contest at Sha Tin in Hong Kong - where he is unbeaten in three starts to date.
Godolphin's Iscan, to be ridden by Frankie Dettori, was drawn in stall four.
The pair joined most of the other overseas challengers in cantering at Sha Tin today.
But ill luck has again hit sole Australian hope Iron Horse, who was scratched from the race as he is lame on his right foreleg fetlock joint.
The John Morish-trained horse was also forced to miss last month's Dubai World Cup, due to an abcess in his near-hind foot.
Reacting to Jim and Tonic's draw, trainer Francois Doumen's son Xavier said: "I was hoping for a middle position before the draw and it is not ideal but Jim and Tonic can usually take up the position that he wants.
"We will be looking to come from behind off a fast pace so hopefully being wide will not be too much of a disadvantage."
Godolphin were happy with stall four for Iscan.
Travelling head lad Steve Avis said: "That's okay. He's back to 2000 metres and hopefully that won't be a problem as he has shown plenty of pace at home."
