In the lead-up to the prestigious Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), trainers Graeme and Debbie Rogerson may need to search for a new jockey for their contender, Sharp ‘N' Smart, as the weights were released for the race.
Racing Victoria's Head of Handicapping, David Hegan, has assigned the Kiwi horse 53.5kg for the race, casting doubt on the participation of booked jockey Hugh Bowman.
“I think he is well-weighted. He is certainly up there with the top three-year-olds (of last season),” said Graeme Rogerson.
“I am not sure whether Hughy can make the weight, he was hoping that he would get 54.5kg. At this stage it is Hugh's ride, and we will see where we head.
“But I am very happy with the horse. If he is fit on the day and everything goes right, he is in with a really good chance.”
Sharp ‘N' Smart has carried 53.5kg just once before when he was the runner-up in the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham in January, with Ryan Elliot in the saddle.
Meanwhile, the defending Melbourne Cup champion, Gold Trip, has been allocated 58.5kg, 1kg more than last year, while the current race favorite, Vauban, is set to carry 55kg.
Among the Kiwi contingent, Dark Destroyer, trained by Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott, has been given 51.5kg, while Ladies Man from the Allan Sharrock stable, Full Of Sincerity trained by Andrew Forsman, and Ess Vee Are trained by Darryn and Briar Weatherley, have all been allocated 50kg.
“He is going to get better as he goes further,” said Rogerson in regards to Sharp ‘N' Smart's staying prospects.
“His main aim this time in is the Melbourne Cup and the International in Hong Kong at a mile and a half (Hong Kong Vase), he is proven at a mile and a half, but isn't proven at two miles.
“I think he will qualify (for the Melbourne Cup), so at least he will get in the field. He has just got to keep building. He has done the miles and he looks the part.”
Sharp ‘N' Smart's upcoming race is the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Hastings, followed by a likely appearance in the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) before heading to Australia.
“We are going to let him find his feet (in the mile). The race that he looks like he can win is the Livamol.
“We will just play that by ear and then head to Australia with him.”