Trainer Robert Heathcote is hoping his luck in the jockey draw for the first races in the State of Origin clash transfers to the racetrack.

Glen Boss (Queensland), Tye Angland (NSW), Craig Williams (Victoria), and Danielle Johnson (New Zealand) will ride in two special Origin races at Doomben on Saturday.

They are the first in a month-long challenge between jockeys from the four areas.

The riders' mounts were drawn in a ballot by trainers and Heathcote got Williams for both his runners - Watling in the Ubet Rating 70 and Lordag in the UBet Class 6.

"Funny thing is I had already booked Craig for my horses Hopfgarten in the Brisbane Handicap and Volkhere in the open middle distance race," Heathcote said.

"It was a bit of a shock when I drew him again on both my Origin race runners.

"The barriers haven't been kind to us but I am always happy to have Craig riding for me."

Heathcote said Hopfgarten would press on to the Magic Millions Trophy (1800m) on January 9 if he came through Saturday's run without problems.

In the Origin races, Boss will ride Legendary Luke and Britalia Kate, Angland is on Coca Bar and Casual Choice while Johnson while partner Hesitation and Pillar of Creation.