Khalid Abdullah's G2 Hardwicke S. winner Snow Sky (GB) (Nayef) and defending G1 Melbourne Cup victor Protectionist (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}) have been assigned joint high-weight of 58 kilograms (128 pounds) for this year's renewal of the A$6 million race Nov. 3. Both horses will have history against them, as no original high-weight has won the 'race that stops a nation' since 1950.
“There have been 22 original topweights contest the Melbourne Cup since Comic Court's win in 1950 and none have placed, so Protectionist and Snow Sky would rightfully earn their place among the Cup's true greats if they were to be successful,” Racing Victoria's Chief Handicapper Greg Carpenter told racing.com. “The handicap presents a challenge to both Protectionist and Snow Sky, however, they have earned their position at the heads of the weights based on their performances over the past 12 months.”
Others prominent in the weights include G2 Princess of Wales's S. and G2 Goodwood Cup winner Big Orange (GB) (Duke of Marmalade {Ire}) at 55.5kg (122 pounds); G2 Lonsdale Cup winner Max Dynamite (Fr) (Great Journey {Jpn}), three-time Cup runner-up Red Cadeaux (GB) (Cadeaux Genereux {GB}) and his G1 Gold Cup-winning stablemate Trip To Paris (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) with 55kg (121 pounds); and G1 Irish St Leger winner Order Of St George (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) with 54kg (119 pounds).
Order Of St George is one of four entries for trainer Aidan O'Brien. The others are G1 St Leger first and third Bondi Beach (Ire) and Fields Of Athenry (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Kingfisher (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).
Click here for the full list of Melbourne Cup weights.
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