PREMIER trainer Chris Waller has ruled out multiple group winner Hawkspur contesting Friday’s $170,000 Albury Gold Cup after the release of handicaps yesterday.
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As expected, the Queensland Derby winner was allocated topweight of 61 kilograms and, with a rating of 106, is among the highest-rated horses to ever nominate for the Albury Gold Cup.
Hofmeister set the modern day weight record to win the 2007 cup with 61 kilograms when partnered by champion hoop Damien Oliver.
Ginga Dude is the only other galloper to be allocated more than 60 kilograms, when he finished seventh behind Paddy O’Reilly in 2011.
Waller racing manager Liam Prior yesterday said the stable would not be attempting to match the feat.
“There is no chance of him running with 61 kilograms and we were hoping he would of got a bit less weight,” Prior said.
“It would be a tough ask for him to win with that sort of weight.”
Waller has also nominated stablemates Index Linked, Diametric and Black Jag, with Prior also declaring Diametric a non-starter.
Index Linked has been asked to carry 59 kilograms, while Black Jag has been allocated the minimum of 54 kilograms and is the most likely of the stable representatives.
“Index Linked is also nominated for the Mornington Cup and the Neville Sellwood Stakes at Rosehill, as well as Albury,” he said.
“We will weigh-up all three races before making a final decision.
“Black Jag is also nominated for the Neville Sellwood but it’s shaping as a strong race and is a 50-50 chance to head to Albury.”
Waller has only once previously targeted Albury’s premier race, with Come On Cugat running fourth behind Growl in 2010.
Only nine of the 34 entries were allocated above the minimum weight of 54 kilograms.
Acceptances for all races over the two-day carnival close at 9am today, with the barrier draw for the Albury Gold Cup to be held at the Commercial Club from 10am.
