Weight and see, it could be Lee’s

LEE Freedman’s chances of a fifth Caulfield Cup – his first in a dozen years – were boosted when Our Ivanhowe was well weighted for the $3.15m feature on October 17.

The German import has an international rating of 120, as have other Cup contenders Protectionist and Criterion, but has been given only 56kg.

Last year’s German Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist must carry equal topweight of 58kg, while the David Hayes/Tom Dabernig-trained Criterion has an impost of 57.5kg.

Freedman has won the Cup with Mannerism (1992), Paris Lane (1994), Doriemus (1995) and Mummify (2003).

Racing Victoria’s chief handicapper Greg Carpenter conceded Our Ivanhowe’s credentials were “very good” and his rating outstanding on the back of two Group 1 wins in Germany and a sixth in the Japan Cup.

“He is a query runner in many ways but he is one of the many chances in what I believe is an excellent year of talent and depth in the race,” Carpenter said.

He gave Sir Michael Stout-trained UK galloper Snow Sky equal top weight of 58kg.

Fame Game has been allocated 57kg as he attempts to deliver Japan back-to-back victories in the world’s richest 2400-metre handicap.

The Yoshitada Munakata-trained six-year-old, second in this year’s Group 1 Tenno Sho (3200m), will carry 1kg less than Admire Rakti carried to win last year’s Cup.

John O’Shea-trained Contributer, a $1.80 favourite in Saturday’s Group 2 Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley, has been allocated 57kg.

Hartnell, and NZ and Australian Derby winner Mongolian Khan, have 55.5kg.