Santa Ana Lane remains the favourite for the $14 million Everest after drawing barrier two in the sprint at Randwick.
The Anthony Freedman-trained Santa Ana Lane is at $4.40, shading Pierata who is at $4.80 and will start from gate one in Saturday's rich race.
Nature Strip has drawn the outside in the 12-horse field and is expected to go forward and be the one to inject the pace into the race.
He has eased from $18 to $26 amid doubts about his ability over 1200 metres.
One-time favourite Arcadia Queen is at $5.50 and starts from barrier three.
Irish horse Ten Sovereigns will start from barrier 11 as he tries to give trainer Aidan O'Brien another international victory.
The barrier draw was conducted by Racing NSW stewards on Tuesday afternoon and revealed In a stunning light show with the the horses' racing colours and barrier numbers projected on to the southern pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.