Bringing tracks in 8-16 bars ahead?

I've heard that lots of DJs bring in a track 8-16 ahead of the drop of the main track. I'm having a little difficulty figuring out how to make that work for me, and I'd like to hear what works best for you all.

I'm currently setting my hotcues right at phrase breaks (start of the beat almost always) and dropping them there while working to bring the tracks in as fast as I can when I get them beatmatched. Is there a better method?