The barrier draw for Sunday's $3 million Singapore Airlines International Cup (SIA Cup) was announced on Thursday afternoon.

In the SIA Cup, which will be held at the Singapore Turf Club, defending champion Military Attack drew a wide berth and will start at barrier No. 10. It faces a tough task to defend its crown in the 2,000m race.

Last year's runner-up Dan Excel drew barrier No. 2. Both horses are trained by Australian John Moore.

Moore, however, remains optimistic. The 64-year-old trainer said: "The draw's a bit of a challenge for both horse and jockey, but we are coming into the race with horses who have performed here already at the Kranji track.

"Military Attack is the favourite and judging from what I saw this morning (at track work) he's still the one to beat even though he's drawn gate 10."

Over in the $1 million KrisFlyer International Sprint, defending champion Lucky Nine drew a favourable barrier No. 2 for the 1,200m race.

SIA Cup barrier draw: barrier 1 - Dan Excel, barrier 2 - Wild Geese, barrier 3 - Mull of Killough, barrier 4 - Si Sage, barrier 5 -Tropaios, barrier 6 - Johnny Guitar, barrier 7 - Side Glance, barrier 8 - City Lad, barrier 9 - Tokei Halo, barrier 10 - Military Attack, barrier 11 - Smoking Sun, barrier 12 - Limario.

KrisFlyer International Sprint barrier draw: barrier 1 - Medicean Man, barrier 2 - Lucky Nine, barrier 3 - Zac Spirit, barrier 4 - Slew of Lode, barrier 5 - Emperor Max, barrier 6 - Goal Keeper, barrier 7 - El Padrino, barrier 8 - Captain Obvious, barrier 9 - Balmont Mast, barrier 10- Sterling City.