Lawlor, who owns the brilliant two-year-old galloper with his family, including Brisbane-based trainer/brother David, said an inside draw from one to five was critical in the $2 million event to be run on January 15.

"We'd love to get barrier one.

"So far we've drawn six and seven (in the horse's only starts)."

Peter said two of the top three placegetters in last Saturday's BJ McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Doomben came from inside alleys, while Noogoora Burr (which finished fifth) started from barrier 6.

He said it makes such a difference in a race which boasts the smartest two-year-olds in the country.

"They went hard out in front (on Saturday) and our horse had a tough run with them.

"But he didn't weaken in the run to the line; just beaten by better horses."

The winner and favourite Driefontein and runner-up Sizzling both came from the back of the pack on Saturday clocking a fast 1m09.38s for the 1200m event, with the final 600m in a sizzling 33.86 seconds.

Noogooa Burr finished fifth 7.4 lengths from the winner, but the run pleased Peter Lawlor.

"We planned to take him to the lead but they probably went too hard in front.

"I think we ran into a champ (Driefontein) that day."

He said connections planned to ride Noogoora Burr off the pace for the big race which is the premier event in the Magic Millions Carnival from January 6-17 on the Gold Coast.

Peter said the performance of runner-up Sizzling was exceptional considering it came from barrier 12.

Two starts back Noogoora Burr beat Sizzling over 1000m.

The Magic Millions barrier draw will be held the Surfers Paradise beach in an Australian first for what is called the "Melbourne Cup in shorts".

It will be the first time a barrier draw, in the upmarket racing industry, will be held on the sand.

Permission has been granted for two horses to gallop along the city's biggest beach for the breakfast promotional event.

Magic Millions managing director Vin Cox said the draw was intergral to the week's events.

"It can have a huge bearing on the outcome of the race. The barriers are so important. If you get the right draw it can have a huge impact on your chances."

The barrier draw breakfast will be held from 6am on January 10, with the draw to take place at 8.30am.