Vauban emerges as a strong contender following the release of Melbourne Cup weight allocations
Weight Announced for Melbourne Cup Favourite Vauban
The highly anticipated weight allocation for the upcoming Lexus Melbourne Cup has been revealed, creating quite a stir among racing enthusiasts. Leading the pack as the ante-post favourite is Willie Mullins’ star horse, Vauban.
Vauban’s recent victories in both the 2022 Triumph Hurdle and on the flat this season have cemented his position at the top of the market for the November 7th event. With an impressive seven-and-a-half-length win in the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot and a commanding performance in the Group Three Ballyroan Stakes, Vauban has proven to be a formidable contender.
Weighing in at 55 kilograms (approximately 8st 9lb), Vauban sits just behind last year’s winner Gold Trip who carries top weight with 58.5kg. The talented Absurde, another entry from Willie Mullins’ stable, secured his place in the prestigious race by winning Ebor under Frankie Dettori’s masterful guidance last month. He will carry a weight of 53kg into Flemington.
Aidan O’Brien’s Broome, victorious in March’s Dubai Gold Cup, has been assigned a weight of 56.5kg while Joseph O’Brien enters Valiant King (50kg) and Okita Soushi (51.kg). William Haggas-trained Desert King follows closely with a weight of 51.5kg after delivering an admirable third-place finish alongside King and Queen in the recent St. Leger.
From Newmarket, Simon and Ed Crisford’s West Wind Blows carries 54kg, already stationed in Australia for a potential run in the Turnbull Stakes on October 7th. Dermot Weld, renowned for his previous Melbourne Cup triumphs with Vintage Crop and Media Puzzle, has Harbour Wind contending this year with a weight of 50kg that places him further down the field.
The announcement also includes familiar names such as Alenquer (56.5kg) and Soulcombe (53.5kg), both previously trained by William Haggas, last year’s runner-up Emissary (52kg), Francesco Guardi (54gk) and El Bodegon (55.5.kg) from James Ferguson’s stable, as well as last year’s Irish Oaks victor Magical Lagoon weighing in at 51kg.
Racing Victoria’s head of handicapping David Hegan acknowledged Gold Trip as the standout performer among all entries for both the Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup races. As Broome remains the only Group One winner among international contenders boasting emerging talent in long-distance racing, Gold Trip has been given an adjusted weight reflecting his prowess from last year while also considering historical trends when it comes to carrying heavier weights to victory.