The barrier draw for Sunday's RM1 million Selangor Mile in Kuala Lumpur proved a disappointing affair for several leading contenders, with a number of fancied runners landing wide gates.

Chief among them was Fortune Tree, one of the leading hopes for the second running of the 1,600m feature for four-year-olds, who drew barrier 18.

"I am naturally disappointed," said trainer HY Cheng, who won the inaugural edition last year with Lucky Magic. "I will study the field and work out a strategy for the race."

Fortune Tree will be partnered by Jose De Souza.

In contrast, top-rated runner Pacific Energy fared much better with barrier seven.

"I'm happy with the draw," said trainer David Kok.

Addressing questions over whether the son of Super Seth will run out the mile, Kok added: "I believe he can because his sire was a miler."

Kok intends to employ similar tactics to those used in the 4YO Sprint Championship, settling Pacific Energy just off the speed.

Trainer Johnny Lim believes tactics will play a major role after his runners drew awkward barriers. Banker's Smile drew 17, Banker's Honour 20, Banker's Happy 9 and Banker's Victory 14.

"They normally race on the pace, so it will depend on how they fit into the race after the start," he said.

Another Banker's Stable representative, Banker's Kingdom, was allotted barrier 16.

"It's a disappointing draw. Otherwise, he has a good chance in the race," said trainer Tiang Kim Choi. "I'll try to have him settle close to the pace."

Among those better served by the draw was Duma, who came up with barrier one.

"He's not the best horse over the distance in the field, but the draw certainly helps," said trainer Frank Maynard. "His ideal trip is 1,400m, but he'll have a good chance if the track remains dry."

Jockey Bernardo Pinheiro also welcomed the inside gate.

"Duma usually gets back in his races, so it's a good draw and gives me options with positioning," he said.

Leading trainer Simon Dunderdale was less fortunate, with Anjou Crown drawing 15 and Navarre barrier 11, while stablemate Aquitaine secured a more favourable gate five.

"Seven of the top eight runners have drawn barrier nine or wider, so it's going to be a very interesting race," Dunderdale said.

"Last year, Antipodean drew 15 — effectively 11 after scratchings — and still finished third."

Jockey Liam Riordan, who rides Anjou Crown, remained unfazed by the wide draw.

"I'm on a good horse, so it doesn't matter. As long as I'm first past the winning post," he said.

Trainer Lawson Moy was pleased with the draw for Choice Is Mine.

"It suits his profile," Moy said. "It's a strong four-year-old field, with all due respect to the opposition, but the draw certainly enhances his chances."

Moy was less optimistic about stablemate Irish Goodbye, who faces a tougher task from barrier 12.

"It will be a challenge for him from that draw," he said.

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