Fabrizio top weight in high-class Cup field

THERE is no likelihood of the weights for next week’s Launceston Cup being raised after the Gai Waterhouse-Adrian Bott stable confirmed Fabrizio as a definite starter in the Group 3 event over 2400m.

When weights were declared at 4pm yesterday Fabrizio, as the highest rated of the 12 horses nominated, was allocated top weight of 59kg with Godolphin’s in-form stayer Etymology to carry 58kg.

A spokesman for the Waterhouse-Bott stable confirmed it will accept with Fabrizio and the horse was due to arrive by sea in Devonport this morning, but the spokesman could not confirm where the seven-yearold gelding would be stabled.

Fabrizio has not won for almost two years with the Hawkesbury Cup his latest win in April, 2017.

Etymology was due to touch down in Launceston early this morning, as was the Danny O’Brien-trained Secret Bullet, which has been specifically set for the Launceston Cup.

Second Bullet has been asked to carry 55.5kg which is light compared with the 57kg he lugged to victory in an open handicap over 2400m at Caulfield last start.

O’Brien confirmed Damien Oliver would ride Secret Bullet while Godolphin has put its faith in Tasmania’s 14-time premiership winning rider Brendon McCoull to partner Etymology, which has won his past three starts in quality staying events, including the Bagot Handicap at Flemington on New Year’s Day.

The Barry Campbell-trained Eastender will attempt to become the first since Brallos in 1977 to win all three major cups — Devonport, Hobart and Launceston, in the same season.

Early fixed odds markets with TAB have Etymology favourite at $2.80 with Eastender the next best at $5, which was his closing price when he won the Hobart Cup.

Hobart Cup runner-up Lamborghini and Second Bullet share the third line of betting at $6 with last- year’s Launceston Cup winner Bondeiger and Fabrizio next best at $8.

Final acceptances for the Launceston Cup and all other races on the 10event card close at 9am today.

The Cup barrier draw will be held at a function at the Launceston racing centre, Mowbray, at 7pm tonight.