Land Legend has received a weight penalty of 1kg after claiming his first Group 1 in The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick, taking his weight from 52kg to 53kg.
As a result, his position in the Lexus Melbourne Cup Order of Entry has leapt from equal 53rd to 20th where he is now assured of a start.
“Land Legend’s performance in the Metropolitan was most impressive, drawing away from the rest of the pack with runner-up, VRC Oaks winner Zardozi,” Hegan said of the Chris Waller-trained stayer.
“Whilst it was only the narrowest of margins, it was a performance that was worthy of a penalty from a horse that was only third-up from almost a year off the scene.
“The 1kg penalty is the same that was afforded to No Compromise (2022) and Montefilia (2021) after their respective victories in the Metropolitan.” - David Hegan - RV Head of Handicapping
In the Order of Entry for the $8.4 million Lexus Melbourne Cup, Eliyass (Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott) passed the ballot with his TAB Turnbull Stakes placing and thus moved from 52nd to 21st.
Unusual Legacy’s minor placing in the Metropolitan was also favourable to connections’ hopes of gaining a start in the Lexus Melbourne Cup with the horse passing the ballot clause. Accordingly, he’s moved from equal 57th to 48th.
Second acceptances for the Lexus Melbourne Cup will be taken at 12 noon (AEDT) on Tuesday, 15 October.
Click here to view the updated Lexus Melbourne Cup Order of Entry (as at 7 October 2024)