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| Staff Writer |
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Racing Victoria's Head of Handicapping, David Hegan, has unveiled the official weights and order of entry for the 2024 Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), setting the stage for Australia's most prestigious staying contest. A field of 77 horses has passed the first ballot, with four already securing their spots in the US$4.9 million race.
Topping the weight scales is last year's victor, Without A Fight, trained by Anthony & Sam Freedman. The gelding has been handed a 2kg penalty, meaning he'll need to shoulder a hefty 58.5kg in his bid for back-to-back triumphs.
David Hegan commented on the champion's task: "It is almost 50 years since a horse carried more than 58kg to victory in either Cup, so history suggests Without A Fight faces a tough task. But if he returns the same horse that we saw in 2023 then nothing is beyond him even with the penalty from last year."
The international contingent is looking formidable, with Vauban once again installed as an early favourite. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding, runner-up in the recent Irish St Leger, has been allocated 55.5kg, a 0.5kg increase from last year's seventh-place finish.
Aiden O'Brien could bring a strong European squad, with Jan Brueghel (54kg), Illinois (53kg), Point Lonsdale (55.5kg), and Grosvenor Square (52kg) all sitting within the top 24.
Among the Australian-trained hopefuls, three-time Group One winning mare Via Sistina stands out with 56kg. The Chris Waller yard sees Buckaroo (54.5kg) as their sole representative currently in the top 24.
Ciaron Maher has thrown his hat into the ring with Group One Sydney Cup winner Circle Of Fire (54.5kg) and European import Middle Earth (55.5kg). The Freedman camp, not content with just the top weight, have Place Du Carrousel (54kg) and Royal Champion (55.5kg) in contention.
Four horses have already secured their spots in the great race. Point King, fresh from victory in the Group Three Archer Stakes (2500m), leads the ballot-exempt quartet. The Map, Magical Zoe, and The Grey Wizzard complete the list of guaranteed starters, provided they make the journey down under.
The Melbourne Cup boasts a rich history of champions. Verry Elleegant (2021) went on to claim the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère in France, while Twilight Payment (2020) added the Irish St. Leger Trial to his resume. Cross Counter (2018) later triumphed in the Dubai Gold Cup, cementing his status as a global stayer of note.
The road to the final field remains long, with first acceptances closing on 1 October. The top 24 horses on the order of entry by 2 November will comprise the final field, with the much-anticipated barrier draw taking place that same day.
As the spring carnival approaches, all eyes will be on Flemington's hallowed turf, where history will once again be made on the first Tuesday in November.