He said that scenario would enable Manawanui to unleash a winning run with his electrifying sprint.
The Darley-owned Induna, who was a late entry for the Derby after winning last week's Geelong Classic, was the only horse to firm in betting after the barrier draw.
Drawn in gate 12, he tightened from $6 to $5.50 and is a clear second favourite ahead of the Gai Waterhouse-trained Niagara, who has the outside barrier and blew from $7.50 to $8.50.
Cambridge entrant Sangster has barrier nine and remains a solid fourth pick at $12, despite a disappointing track gallop at Flemington on Tuesday morning.
"I'm happy with that gate," trainer Trent Busuttin said.
"It certainly wasn't great work on Tuesday but he pulled up fine, his blood was fine and he ate up. I just hope he had an off day."
Hugh Bowman replaces James McDonald on Sangster after the Savabeel gelding finished second to Sabrage in the Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) on Caulfield Cup Day.
Sabrage ($13), who worked impressively against Sangster at Flemington, drew barrier 16 but trainer Mike Moroney is growing in confidence about his chances of winning a third Victoria Derby.
Damien Oliver has ridden the colt at his last two starts in the Stutt and the Norman Robinson and was beaming after Tuesday's workout, which was the horse's best yet.
"Ollie will work it out," Moroney said of the wide gate.
"The barrier draw doesn't help us but we go there with a fair bit of confidence about the horse, to be honest."
In the past 25 years, 13 winners have started from gates one to nine but only three horses from wider than barrier nine have won in the past 12 years, the most recent Lion Tamer last year from barrier 14.
Caulfield Cup-winning trainer Leon Macdonald will try to add the Derby to his spring collection with Perfect Punch ($15) from barrier 13.
Macdonald won the 2008 Derby with Rebel Raider, who, like Perfect Punch, finished third in the Geelong Classic.
- AAP
