Ilovethiscity will jump from barrier 17 in the Doncaster

Grahame Begg could probably make a case for being one of the more unlucky trainers during the Sydney Autumn Carnival but after another less than ideal barrier draw he refuses to make any excuses.

His two runners, Palacio De Cristal and Ilovethiscity will start from gates 12 and 17 respectively in the $2 million Doncaster Mile at Randwick this weekend.

“It’s always nice to draw well but I don’t think the barriers are too important over the mile at Randwick,” Begg said.

“There is a 600-metre straight run before the first turn.

In fact given the racing style of his horses, Begg considers there to be some positives in drawing a wide alley.

“Sometimes it’s best to be drawn out a bit to miss any trouble.

“Both horses will get back and I’m just hoping the weather stays fine and we don’t get a wet track.”

Palacio De Cristal has drawn barrier 12 for the Doncaster, but the weather will be a concern

The weather is a much more prominent concern with Palacio De Cristal especially susceptive to any moisture in the track.

So far this preparation she has looked in decent shape even on dead and slow rated tracks so a good rated surface will throw her right into contention.

Kerrin McEvoy will ride Palacio De Cristal while Brenton Avdulla will take the reins of Randwick Guineas Champion Ilovethiscity.

Their task isn’t easy though, trying to topple one of the world’s most in form horses More Joyous.

To make things even more difficult she will jump from the gate her jockey Nash Rawiller was most hoping to draw.

“If I had a choice it would be eight,” he said.