Racing Victoria's Head of Handicapping, David Hegan, on Tuesday disclosed the weight assignments for the highly anticipated 2023 Melbourne Cup (3200m) and Caulfield Cup (2400m).

Among the revelations, Gold Trip, the European import, is slated to carry 58.5kg in both prestigious races, a 1kg increase from his victorious run in the Melbourne Cup and a commendable second place finish in the Caulfield Cup in 2022.

Trailing Gold Trip in the weight rankings is the Mike Moroney-trained Alenquer, who has been allocated 56.5kg for both events. Broome from the Aidan O'Brien barn, nominated solely for the Melbourne Cup, shares the same weight assignment.

Hegan expressed, “We have effectively lifted Gold Trip 2kg from his true weight last year, which is less than the penalty afforded other Melbourne Cup winners in recent times; however, we are mindful that it is 48 years since a horse has carried 58.5kg to victory in either Cup, so a significant challenge awaits.”

He further emphasised the emerging talent in the mid-to-lower range of the scale, underscoring the potential of young horses poised to make a mark in this year's Cups.

With the weight assignments now in place and the initial orders of entry confirmed, the onus is on trainers to secure a coveted spot in either Cup and ensure their horses peak on the day. Likewise, jockeys are tasked with securing a mount in these iconic staying races.

Already, three horses have secured their positions in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup on November 7 through victories in ballot-exempt events. Goldman (52kg), Lunar Flare (51.5kg), and Absurde (53kg) have all received favorable weight assignments.

Proven Group 1 performers Montefila (54.5kg), Duais (54kg), Arapaho (55.5kg), and Knights Order (54kg) are all set to make a return on the first Tuesday in November, comfortably securing spots in the 2023 Melbourne Cup order of entry.

Promising stayers Kovalica (53.5kg), Sharp ‘N' Smart (53.5kg), Major Beel (53kg), and Manzoice (53kg) are eager to add a Melbourne Cup title to their list of achievements.

As of September 19, a total of 82 horses have passed the first ballot clause, with an additional 48 needing to do so prior to November 4, 2023.

The spotlight shone on Chris Waller's stable as the weights were revealed for the 2023 Caulfield Cup. Race favourite Francesco Guardi (54kg) and Soulcombe (53.5kg) received favourable weight allocations, along with stablemate Montefilia (54.5kg), as Waller vies for his third win in the race since 2019.

Tatsuya Yoshioka's six-year-old Breakup will carry 55kg in his quest to become the third Japanese horse to triumph in the Caulfield Cup.

Right You Are (53kg) is presently the sole horse guaranteed a start in the Caulfield Cup, courtesy of a hard-fought victory earlier this year in the Mornington Cup (2400m).

This Saturday at Caulfield, two coveted spots will be up for grabs, with the winners of both the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) and the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) earning a ticket to the Caulfield Cup.