THE Aidan O’Brien-trained Kew Gardens has been given top-weight of 58kgs for A$8 million Lexus Melbourne Cup on November 5th. Half a kilo behind him are a pair of Godolphin runners, last year’s winner Cross Counter (a 6.5kg increase) and the locally-trained Avilius.

A total of 27 of the 157 entries have been allocated 54kgs or above, including Maremelo (56), Master Of Reality (55.5), Hunting Horn (55), Ispolini (55), Latrobe (55), Twilight Payment (55), Morando (54.5), Gold Mount (54), Raymond Tusk (54) and Red Verdon (54).

“Inevitably the internationals will again pose a formidable challenge to the locally-trained stayers, with the first three home in the 2018 Melbourne Cup all set to return to Melbourne this year, but if the likes of Andrew Ramsden winner Steel Prince and Adelaide Cup winner Surprise Baby can maintain their form throughout the spring, I’m sure the visiting horses will have a real fight on their hands,” said chief handicapper Greg Carpenter.

Initial local markets have the now Kris Lees-trained Ebor winner Mustajeer the $15 favourite.

Other Aidan O’Brien runners include Magic Wand (53.5kgs), Il Paradiso (5.5kgs), South Pacific (50kgs).

Willie Mullins has one entry, True Self (51.5kgs), as has Dermot Weld with Stivers (51.5kgs)