Most connections view an inside barrier as an advantage but for one horse in the Melbourne Cup it is far from ideal.

For the second time in two races, the Marco Botti-trained Seismos has drawn the No.1 gate.

In the words of jockey Craig Newitt, Seismos took the term dour to a new meaning when 15th behind Admire Rakti in the Caulfield Cup after being hard ridden from the outset.

And the forecast of firm ground on Tuesday also has Botti concerned, but the trainer is banking on the fact that Seismos is a similar type to his 2012 placegetter Jakkalberry, third behind Green Moon.

Jakkalberry had finished 13th in the Caulfield Cup in the lead-up.

"I think they are similar types," Botti said.

"The 2400 metres was a bit too sharp for Jakkalberry at Caulfield and it was the same story for Seismos.

"I think I will see his best in the Melbourne Cup but I'm a bit concerned with the ground.

"In England he's never run on fast ground and would prefer a bit of cut."

Botti said ideally the plan would be for Seismos to be up on the pace but he was worried whether the gelding would have the speed to race forward from his gate.

"In my experience in the Melbourne Cup they go fast in the first 400 metres and then they slow down a bit," Botti said.

"We don't want to be too crowded. He's a horse that likes a bit of room. You have to wind him up and he wants a clear run."

Botti is confident Seismos will handle the 3200 metres and will be strong to the line after his win in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury on August 16.

"In the Geoffrey Freer he did his best in the last furlong (200m)," Botti said.

"At some point he looked like he was going to finish fifth but he stayed on to win."