Trainer Ron MacRae is hoping a horror barrier draw becomes a belated Christmas present when his stable star Regal Castanea starts in the Bernborough Handicap at Doomben.Regal Castanea drew barrier 17 in the 1600 metre Listed feature and MacRae said the gelding would revert to his usual racing pattern after he was hunted forward in the Lough Neagh Stakes at the same course last week."The draw has forced my hand a bit and he will go back from out there on Saturday," MacRae said."We fired him up la

Trainer Ron MacRae is hoping a horror barrier draw becomes a belated Christmas present when his stable star Regal Castanea starts in the Bernborough Handicap at Doomben.

Regal Castanea drew barrier 17 in the 1600 metre Listed feature and MacRae said the gelding would revert to his usual racing pattern after he was hunted forward in the Lough Neagh Stakes at the same course last week.

"The draw has forced my hand a bit and he will go back from out there on Saturday," MacRae said.

"We fired him up last time and rode him forward and had no luck but his normal pattern is to go back and that's what we'll be doing this time."

Regal Castanea wasn't far away last start when he finished 12th to Ghetto Blaster, beaten less than four lengths, after being trapped behind runners for most of the straight.

Talented hoop Tony Pattillo told stewards he was unable to test the five-year-old at any stage in the straight and MacRae has retained him for the Bernborough mount.

MacRae said the seven day back-up was the least of his concerns for Regal Castanea and pointed to the gelding's big win in the Rockhampton Cup this year as a reference.

"He backs up really well and this has all been part of his preparation," MacRae said.

"He backed up in the Rocky Cup and won easily and his only win over the mile at Doomben came last September (2008) when he was backing up in seven days."

The recent showers over Doomben have increased MacRae's confidence and he says the prospect of more rain will suit Regal Castanea perfectly.

"I'm very happy with him, he's done really well since last week and although he's won over further I think the mile is his best distance," MacRae said.

"He likes it wet. I'd love to see some more rain because he really loves the cut out of the track."

Regal Castanea has started six times on slow and heavy tracks for two wins and a placings and his record over the Doomben mile stands at one win from two attempts.