Leading trainer Bryan Guy and jockey Michael Rodd will spend the Christmas break formulating a plan to overcome an outside barrier with General Patton in the $100,000 Tommy Smith Slipper (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday.

Guy was left deflated when General Patton drew barrier 10 in the 12-horse field for the Slipper which will be his final hitout before the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 10.

"He'll definitely being going around but I'll have to work out with Michael the best way to ride him," he said.

"I'm sure he'll settle a lot better in the race with the blinkers off him but naturally I would have preferred to draw inside which would have given us some better options."

General Patton overraced in the lead when a tiring fifth to Rule Of Engagement in the Meynink Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm on December 13.

"He does all his work on the track without the blinkers so I can't see that being a problem in a race," he said.

The son of General Nediym will be facing his toughest assignment to date in the Slipper, confronting the Lee Freedman-trained Oratorio who will be ridden by champion jockey Damien Oliver.

Leading bookmaker Vince Aspinall has listed Oratorio the 6-1 second favourite in Magic Millions betting behind pronounced favourite Not A Single Doubt (10-9).

"Oratorio went very quick at Wyong and will be hard to catch around Doomben and overall it's a pretty strong race," Guy said.

Oliver takes over from Chris Munce aboard Oratorio who also will race without blinkers after becoming fired up at Wyong when left a sitting shot for Not A Single Doubt in the inaugural Strawberry Hill Slipper (1000m).

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