Racing: Wallace won't shoot handicapper

Trainer John Wallace. Photo / Getty Images

Shoot Out's trainer John Wallace says he learned long ago never to argue with handicappers before declaring he was satisfied with the 4-year-old's weight for the Melbourne Cup.

Shoot Out received 55kg, only 3kg less than topweights Efficient and Alandi, for the Flemington feature in November when weights were released yesterday.

Several international stayers, including Japanese star Jaguar Mail, who is almost certain not to make the trip, received 57.5kg, while last year's Melbourne Cup winner Shocking was allotted 57kg.

"You can't whinge about it. I learned long ago never to argue with handicappers," Wallace said.

"I've found out through life you can't win arguing with them.

"I expected him to get around 54.5kg, so 55kg isn't too bad."

But while Wallace accepted the gelding's assessment, regular jockey Stathi Katsidis was scathing.

"That's a bit rude isn't it?" Katsidis said.

"He's weighted up to his best with that weight. I thought he would have got 3kg or more off Shocking."

Shoot Out is the highest-weighted AJC Australian Derby winner for the Melbourne Cup since Universal Prince was given 55.5kg in 2001, after also winning the 2000 Spring Champion Stakes and 2001 Canterbury Guineas as a 3-year-old.

Handicapper Greg Carpenter said the fact that Shoot Out also won the group one Randwick Guineas (1600m) influenced his decision to raise his weight above the norm for a 4-year-old after winning the Sydney Classic.

"Most AJC Australian Derby winners have been given 54kg in recent years but this horse has the additional group one victory to support that weight [55kg]," Carpenter said.

He said Victoria Derby winner Monaco Consul provided him with additional guidance after he finished third to Shoot Out in the AJC Derby in Sydney. Monaco Consul, who also won the Spring Champion Stakes over 2000m in Sydney, has 54kg in the Cups and is at $26 for both races.

Katsidis blamed himself for Shoot Out's defeat when a sound third to So You Think in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last Saturday.

"I should have ridden him quieter in the Memsie but I rode the race to beat Typhoon Tracy and So You Think," he said.

"He's flying at the moment and is just starting to relax in his races."

Katsidis and Wallace share one thought in common - they both have little concerns with Shoot Out running 3200m.

"I'm very confident after the way he's learned to settle that he'll run two miles," Katsidis said.

Shoot Out is a definite starter in the Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 23, but is doubtful to line up in the Caulfield Cup (2400m) a week earlier.

He is equal fourth favourite at $18 for the Melbourne Cup.

- AAP