A change of luck with the barrier draw has trainer Liam Birchley supremely confident his Magic Millions Classic drought is about to end with unbeaten filly Paprika.Paprika, one of three Birchley-trained runners to qualify for Saturday's $2 million feature over 1200 metres at the Gold Coast, drew ideally in barrier six while stablemate Fairchild, who will wear blinkers, drew the rails.Birchley's third runner Southport drew out in barrier 14 but the Eagle Farm trainer said it was doubtful the youn

A change of luck with the barrier draw has trainer Liam Birchley supremely confident his Magic Millions Classic drought is about to end with unbeaten filly Paprika.

Paprika, one of three Birchley-trained runners to qualify for Saturday's $2 million feature over 1200 metres at the Gold Coast, drew ideally in barrier six while stablemate Fairchild, who will wear blinkers, drew the rails.

Birchley's third runner Southport drew out in barrier 14 but the Eagle Farm trainer said it was doubtful the youngster would secure a start as third emergency.

Birchley has never had a Magic Millions Classic placegetter despite numerous attempts over the past decade.

However, he believes his turn is due with Paprika, who is now $2.50 favourite with TAB Sportsbet despite corporate bookmakers gambling against a win from the daughter of General Nediym.

"I couldn't be happier with six. That's the icing on the cake," Birchley said.

"And barrier one for Fairchild brings her right into the race as well. She's a definite chance now after the barrier draw.

"I've been trying for at least the last seven years to win this race but we haven't had much luck with barriers until now."

Paprika's senior part-owner Tony Carroll has a perfect strike rate getting yearlings bought at the Magic Millions sales into the two-year-old feature but wide barriers have thwarted previous aspirants Charmana Star, My Man Murphy and Pandemonia.

While Birchley's confidence soared with Paprika, the barrier draw was not as kind for the Peter Moody-trained Carlton Forward who drew gate 16 and is now on the fifth line of betting at $9.

Birchley had previously rated Carlton Forward as Paprika's main threat but Brisbane filly and equal second favourite Racing Pegasus ($7.50) was his main concern after she drew barrier two.

Gai Waterhouse will bid for her fourth Magic Millions Classic with Shadow Assassin (barrier seven) and Horizons (barrier nine) while Sydney trainer Gary Portelli's bid for glory with Koblenz suffered a setback when the Charge Forward filly drew barrier 18.

Horizons still has her followers and is on the second line of betting with Racing Pegasus despite a setback since her last start Randwick win in October.

Paprika has won her four starts including an all-the-way victory over Carlton Forward in the Listed Tommy Smith Slipper (1200m) at Doomben on December 27.

Birchley and jockey Shane Scriven doubt Paprika will lead with the speedy Racing Pegasus ideally drawn to use her blistering early pace which delivered two easy wins over 1110 metres at Doomben last month.

In fact, Scriven asserts four-times winner Paprika is a better chaser than front runner.

"The barrier is excellent but I don't think she'll lead with Racing Pegasus drawn inside us," Scriven said.

"She'll be up there but I suspect she'll be running fifth or sixth and we won't be in a hurry. She's a better chaser anyway."

Birchley and Scriven would prefer a dry track for Paprika but said they would not be too concerned if their wishes weren't fulfilled.

"We can't do anything about the weather but she'll handle it if it's wet," Scriven said.