Complacent has lost his position as favourite for the Victoria Derby after a lamentable barrier draw but he hasn't lost the faith of his connections.

The Group One Spring Champion Stakes winner, to be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, surrendered the top line of betting to Savvy Nature after he drew barrier 16.

But Darley bloodstock manager Jason Walsh said the three-year-old could handle the setback.

"He's a very versatile horse and capable of positioning, depending on speed, wherever Kerrin would like him," Walsh said.

"He's a high quality animal and we think that that gate certainly doesn't render him incapable of winning the race."

Complacent has won his past three starts, recording his maiden victory at Hawkesbury last month before going on to claim the Group Three Gloaming Stakes at Rosehill and Group One Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick.

Darley has two other runners in Saturday's $1.5 million race - San Diego who drew barrier six, and Tupac Amaru who will jump from gate eight.