Dunaden penalised half a kilo for Geelong Cup win

French galloper Dunaden has received a half kilo penalty for the $6m Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) for winning yesterday’s Geelong Cup (2400m).

The Mikel Dalzangles trained galloper was allotted the impost by Racing Victoria’s chief handicapper, Greg Carpenter and it is the same penalty he handed to last year’s Geelong Cup winner Americain.

The penalty takes Dunaden’s Melbourne Cup weight to 54.5kg.

It is the identical weight Americain carried to victory in the 2010 Melbourne Cup.

“Dunaden was most impressive winning the Geelong Cup after sustaining a searching run from the back of the field with 58kg,” Carpenter said.

“Accordingly, I have elected to penalise him 0.5kg in the Melbourne Cup for that victory.

“Dunaden’s countryman Americain won the Geelong Cup with 58kg last year, and I also lifted his weight from 54kg to 54.5kg in the Melbourne Cup which he went on to win.

“I could not justify an increase of greater than 0.5kg for Dunaden.

“He is yet to win at Group 1 or 2 level and the four horses weighted above him in this year’s race, Americain, Jukebox Jury, Descarado and Midas Touch, have performed to a higher level.”

Corporate bookmaker Luxbet firmed Dunaden’s Melbourne Cup quote from $21 to $10 following his Geelong Cup win.

The Melbourne Cup will be run on November 1 this year.

Geelong Cup runner-up Tanby is currently 53rd and third placegetter Bauer 42nd on the Melbourne Cup order of entry.

Dunaden is safely in the Melbourne Cup final field.

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