Speed Gifted has been allowed the chance to run in one, if not both of the major Cups.(credit:
Photo$)
British import Speed Gifted looks certain to take his chance in the Caulfield and Melbourne cup fields after Greg Carpenter, Racing Victoria’s chief handicapper, yesterday issued the stayer a 2kg penalty for both races.
Speed Gifted landed a big race success in The Metropolitan at group 1 level at Randwick last weekend and has now shot up the elimination order for both races.
''Speed Gifted dominated his opposition in The Metropolitan Handicap and, while the race was run on rain-affected going, he had already won impressively at Flemington on good going since the weights were released,'' Carpenter announced yesterday. ''The penalty is greater than those imposed on the most recent winners of The Metropolitan, reflecting the ease of his victory.''
Speed Gifted will now have to carry 53kg in both cups and Lee Freedman’s gelding will attract further weight should he land the Caulfield Cup before a tilt at the Melbourne Cup.
Meanwhile, Guy Walter’s Vonrob may take in some top races after she hammered her field in the Kista Handicap at Warwick Farm.
''She is a handy filly and she is racing very well,'' the Warwick Farm-based Walter said. ''After that win she might head down to Melbourne for a 1400 metre fillies' race on Melbourne Cup day. We'll just see how we go.''
Munce paid tribute to Walter, saying: ''He's done a great job with the filly. She had a tough run the other day in a good-class race at Randwick, and Guy got her to back up well today with the big weight.''
Elsewhere, Aussie sprinting sensation Scenic Blast could only tail in last in the latest leg of the Global Sprint Challenge, the Sprinters Stakes in Japan. The King’s Stand winner may now take in the International Sprint, with trainer Dan Morton eyeing the $1million bonus.
Speed Gifted is 10.00 (Betfair) to land the Melbourne Cup.