2014 Melbourne Cup (3200m) winner Protectionist will have to carry 58kg to defend his title. The Kris Lees-trained galloper is joined at the top of the weights by Snow Sky.
History is against both top weights, with Makybe Diva in 2005 and Think Big in 1975 the only two to carry 58kg or more to win the Melbourne Cup in the last 40 years.
Snow Sky is the highest rating horse in the field after taking out the Hardwicke Stakes (2400m), but the northern hemisphere three-year-olds could steal the show.
Order of St George was super impressive on the weekend, winning the Irish St Leger (2800m) by 11 lengths. Aiden O’Brien’s stayer has been given 54kg, which is 1.5kg below the weight-for-age benchmark.
O’Brien has four entries and has not had a Cup runner since 2008.
The runner I am most intrigued by is Bondi Beach. The English St Leger winner has been given just 52.5kg. Ascot Gold runner-up Kingfisher has 53kg.
But, as is the case most years, the question is whether these talented horses will make the trip.
After the tragedy of Admire Rakti last year, the Japanese are back with Fame Game, allocated 57kg.
Just four horses in the past 50 years have carried 57kg or more and won, and three of those – Rain Lover, Makybe Diva and Think Big – won multiple Melbourne Cups.
Crowd favourite and perennial Melbourne Cup bridesmaid Red Cadeaux will have a 3.5kg swing on Protectionist, being allocated 55kg.
Precedence may also improve on a career-best sixth placing in 2014, dropping to 52kg this year after carrying 54.5kg last year. However he is one of 71 entries that will have to pass the ballot to secure a start.
Coming from Germany, Our Ivanhowe is Lee Freedman’s ticket back to the Melbourne Cup and the talented import might find his best in November with 56kg.
Other notables include
Mongolian Khan (55kg) – New Zealand and Australian Derby winner and highest southern hemisphere rated four-year-old.
Trip to Paris (55kg) – 2015 Ascot Gold Cup winner and stablemate to Red Cadeaux.
Grand Marshall (53.5kg) – Won the 2015 Sydney Cup in a boilover, carrying 52kg. Won a 2800m race on Melbourne Cup day last year.
Who Shot Thebarman (54.5kg) – 2014 placegetter who drops 0.5kg on his third placing last year.
Hokko Brave (55.5kg) – Another Japanese entrant who is highly rated and has been a fixture of Japanese staying events. Craig Williams is secured for rides in Australia.
Hartnell (55.5kg) – An unplaced favourite in the Sydney Cup carrying 52kg.
Criterion (57.5kg) – The 2015 Queen Elizabeth winner is returning to Australia after campaigning in Europe and Hong Kong.
Big Orange (55.5kg) – English star who won this year’s Princess of Wales’ Stakes and Goodwood Cup.
First acceptances will be taken at 12pm Tuesday, October 6.
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