GROUP 3 winner Al Galayel heads the weights for Friday's Wodonga Gold Cup, (1590m).
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained import has been handed the hefty impost of 66kg for the $100,000 feature.
An unlikely starter with the huge burden, Al Galayel is one of four entries from Victoria's biggest stable.
The stable has also nominated Black Sail, Ken's Dream and The Closer.
Black Sail has been allocated 57kg and looks set to be among the leading contenders for the race after a string of consistent performances on the country cup circuit.
The Kiwi bred gelding was beaten less than a length in the recent Kilmore Cup when running third.
IN OTHER NEWS
Black Sail also finished third in the Benalla Cup first-up from a spell before winning the Ballan Cup which was a huge drop in grade.
Of the 31 nominations, eight horses are weighted above the minimum of 56kg.
The Brett Stanley-trained Coming Around will carry 61.5kg if he is among the final acceptances.
The five-year-old gelding boasts solid recent form and won at Flemington in August with Laburnum and Irish Flame filling the minor placings.
Local trainers are well represented including Ron Stubbs (Spunlago) and David O'Prey (Strome) who look best of the local hopes.
Spunlago was narrowly beaten in the cup last year which was taken out by Willi Willi.
Strome was a Caulfield winner last month with Jamie Kah aboard and has already committed to the ride in the cup.
