Many of his rivals would envy him, but jockey Ben Melham is lamenting Smokin’ Joey’s Stradbroke Handicap barrier.

The last-start winner of the Group One Goodwood Handicap, Smokin’ Joey will start from gate three at Eagle Farm on Saturday, a draw Melham says poses a few problem.

“I would have preferred him to draw off the track because he’s a horse that resents horses being outside him,” Melham said.

“I have probably got no other option but to go back and we’re going to be last probably.”

Smokin’ Joey stormed home out wide to win the Goodwood (1200m) in Adelaide last start and connections paid a late entry fee to run him in the Stradbroke (1400m).

The Stradbroke has a capacity field of 18 plus five emergencies and Melham is banking on a strong speed to give Smokin’ Joey his chance in the $1.38 million race.

“He just turns it up in amongst them and won’t go at all. I think that (going back to last) is our only option unfortunately we’re left with, and get him to the outside,” he said.

“The only thing in our favour is the Stradbroke is always a high-pressure race and hopefully they can break themselves up front early and give us every chance to get over the top of them.”

Smokin’ Joey has had a barrier trial at Cranbourne since his Goodwood win to keep him ticking over for the Stradbroke and Melham says the six-year-old is in great order.

The gelding was rated a $17 chance after Wednesday’s draw with three-year-old’s Hucklebuck and Srikandi joint favourites at $5.

“He’s really happy in himself and I know when he’s happy he runs well,” Melham said.

“But in saying that he’s got to have things go his way. If things go his way he can be impressive. If they don’t he can look disappointing on face value.”