Britain's two representatives in the inaugural Singapore Airlines International Cup fared badly when the draw for Saturday's race was made today.
Connections chose the post position from which their horse will start in the order they emerged from a random draw performed by stewardesses from the sponsoring firm.
And when Monsajem and Showboat both came out among the last four of the 14 runners, only positions on the outside of the field were left.
Joe Mercer, representing Monsajem's owner Sultan Khalifa, selected stall 13, while Barry Hills, trainer of Showboat, plumped for number 12.
Asian-trained horses claimed the coveted inside berths from 1-4 £1.2 million event - the sixth most valuable race in the world - over a mile and quarter at the new Kranji track.
French raiders Barbola and Jim And Tonic are installed six and 11 respectively, with Godolphin's Sea Wave at number 10.
Lester Piggott was designated to choose the position for Holy Grail, trained by his Hong Kong-based friend Ivan Allan, and opted for number four.
Michael Kinane's mount Carry The Flag will be on the wide outside in stall number 14.
Mercer explained the reason he went for number 13 was that it had brought him luck in the past.
"It's been a lucky number all my life," said the former champion jockey.
"I would have liked Monsajem to have been nearer the inside, but the horse is very well and his trainer Ed Dunlop, assure me he's in fine fettle.
"The pace should be very fast through the first quarter of the race so John Reid will just ride him as he finds it."
Hills thinks Royal Hunt Cup winner Showboat can still go close despite his unfavourable draw.
"He travelled well to Singapore, has settled in nicely and eaten all his food," said Hills.
"He likes to come from off a fast pace so my son Michael will just drop him in behind."
Hills is enjoying his first visit to Singapore. "They have done a tremendous job with the course here. It's an example to the rest of the world," he said.
