WEIGHT OFF TRALEE ROSE AFTER GEELONG CUP WIN

MELBOURNE Cup contender Tralee Rose has avoided a weight penalty for winning the Geelong Cup.

The Symon Wilde-trained stayer will carry 51kg in the $8m Melbourne Cup on November 2 after Racing Victoria handicapper Greg Carpenter’s elected not to penalise the mare.

Prizemoney banked winning the Geelong Cup and attrition – withdrawal of Montefilia, Dawn Patrol and King Of Leogrance the past 24 hours – has secured Tralee Rose, 20th in the order of entry, a Cup start.

Carpenter’s decision is based on Tralee Rose digging deep last Wednesday to defeat Dr Drill – not nominated for the Cup – and the recent record of mares at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November.

Since Makybe Diva completed the Cup treble – 2005 – no mare has placed in the past 15 editions.

Fourth acceptances for the Melbourne Cup will be taken at 10am on Monday.

Tralee Rose is in a clump of horses on the third line of betting ($15). In-form jockey and natural lightweight Dean Holland will partner Tralee Rose in the Cup.