Racing: Herculian Prince looks Melbourne Cup bound with 2kg penalty

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A 2kg weight penalty for winning the group one Metropolitan Handicap has virtually assured Herculian Prince a start in the Melbourne Cup and significantly boosted his chances of making the Caulfield Cup field.

The penalty, issued by Racing Victoria chief handicapper Greg Carpenter yesterday, is among the highest for Metropolitan handicap winners.

The Gai Waterhouse-trained 5-year-old will carry 53.5kg in both cups. He has moved to equal 22nd in the elimination order for the Caulfield Cup. The win also takes Herculian Prince past the first ballot clause for the Melbourne Cup, and lifts him from 77th to 30th in order of entry.

"I think it [the penalty] is good, he wouldn't get in otherwise so you don't have any choice," Waterhouse said.

Nash Rawiller won the Metropolitan on Herculian Prince but is in doubt to make his cup weight and Glyn Schofield is likely to be the replacement rider.

"The 2kg penalty means he will meet the Metropolitan runner-up Mourayan on the same weight terms in the Caulfield Cup and the third placegetter No Wine No Song on 2kg worse in the Melbourne Cup," Carpenter said.

- AAP