Bonecrusher top weight

Press, 28 July 1986, Page 35

Bonecrusher top weight

NZPA-AAP Melbourne

The sensational New Zealand galloper, Bonecrusher, is topweight in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, but according to his trainer, Frank Ritchie, the rising four-year-old is highly unlikely to start in either race.

V.R.C. handicapper, Mr Jim Bowler, gave Bonecrusher 57.5 kg in the $1 million Foster’s Melbourne Cup, while V.A.T.C. handicapper, Mr Alan Wicks, weighted the chestnut gelding on 58kg for the $500,000 Foster’s Caulfield Cup. Weights for both events were released yesterday.

Ritchie said he was not dissatisfied with the weights given Bonecrusher, although he received o.skg more than he expected in both races.

Ritchie added that Bonecrusher would probably miss both races to concentrate on the Cox Plate and the Japan Cup if invited to represent New Zealand in that race.

Leading Sydney trainer, Brian Mayfield Smith, said that the weights were basically what he expected for his top pros-

pects Marooned, Handy Proverb, Agent Provocative and imported stayer Premier Role. Marooned received 56kg in the Melbourne Cup, 6.5 kg more than he carried in his effortless Sydney Cup victory last April. . . , •, Handy Proverb received 55.5 kg in the Melbourne Cup and 56.5 kg in the Caulfield Cup. He is high in the running to be selected as Australia’s representative for the Japan Cup.

Runners alloted more than 53kg for the Caulfield Cup, to be run at Caulfield on October 18, are: Bonecrusher (N.Z.), 58.0; Handy Proverb, 56.5; Rising Prince, Tristarc (N.Z.), 56.0; Bounty Hawk (N.Z.), Locley’s Tradition, Premier Role (U.S.A.), 55.5; Drawn, Khaelan (G. 8. Marooned (G. 8. Waverley Star (N.Z.), 55.0; Affinity (N.Z.), At Talaq (U.S.A), Hula Chief (N.Z.), Lacka Reason (N.Z.), Our Sophia (N.Z.), Samasaan (N.Z.), Shulich (G. 8. The Filbert (N.Z.), What A Nuisance (N.Z.), 54.5; Foxseal (N.Z.), So Vague (U.SA), 54.0; Dazzling Duke, Gallant Archer (U.S.A.), Haulpak’s Image, Kiwi (N.Z.), Magnitude (N.Z.), Mr Lomondy (N.Z.), Orb (N.Z.), Playful Princess, Restoration (N.Z.), Sir Vigilant (N.Z.), 53.5.