The defending champion, who can seemingly only be beaten by bad luck in the 3200m race, has drawn barrier 6 in the event beside the often wayward Imola in barrier 5.
Imola has galloped away or been fractious at the start of four of his five standing-start races this campaign.
The draw has done little to dent the confidence of bookmakers before Tuesday's event.
Lazarus was rated a $1.30 chance when markets reopened after yesterday's barrier draw.
Lazarus had his last public appearance before the Cup in last night's New Zealand Cup trial at Addington.
The reigning champion was largely untested in running fifth of sixth, only seeing clear air in the last 150m of the trial, after settling last early.
The trial was won by the Barry Purdon-trained Jack's Legend ahead of stablemate Hug The Wind and Seel The Deal.
There are more losers than winners among the leading chances for Tuesday's race after yesterday's barrier draw.
Otago hope Titan Banner is one of the winners from the draw.
The reliable standing-start beginner will start from wide on the front line in barrier 8.
There he and driver Dexter Dunn should not be left waiting too long for the field to face up to the tape like horses drawn nearer the inside of the track often do.
Former Canterbury pacer-turned Australian Raider Tiger Tara is in the same position and will start from the outside of the front line in barrier 10.
Dream About Me appears to be the biggest loser from the cup barrier draw after drawing 11 of the 11 runners who are not on the unruly. From there, the mare's usually fast standing-start manners are likely to be negated by runners in front of her.
Heaven Rocks will line up as the first of three runners on the unruly beside Robbie Burns and Have Faith In Me.
Tuesday's 3yr-old Sires Stakes Final has produced an even more intriguing barrier draw.
Boom horse Chase Auckland will be relying on rival King Of Swing to lead in the race as he is likely to start from one on the second row if the race's emergencies come out.
Pat's Delight, The Devils Own and Spankem fared well by drawing in barriers 3, 5 and 6 respectively.
The big loser was sizzling last-start winner Alta Maestro who will start from the outside of the front line in barrier 9.
