Today the VRC’s chief handicapper Greg Carpenter revealed the 2010 Melbourne Cup handicaps in anticipation of the 150^th running of the race this November, Tuesday 2 at the famous Flemington Racecourse.

Weights have been allocated to all of the 256 entries for the $6 million Melbourne Cup, with the Robert Hickmott-trained duo of Alandi and Efficient topping the list at 58kg.

Both gallopers are owned by Lloyd Williams, but 2007 Melbourne Cup champion Efficient has been revealed as a doubtful starter in the race this year due to concerns over his health and is also yet to pass the first ballot clause for the 2010 Melbourne Cup.

Following closely in the weights listing on 57.5kg is a collection of international raiders including Jaguar Mail and two from the esteemed Godolphin Stables Mastery and Cavalryman.

Tenno Sho winner Jaguar Mail is another overseas stayer that will not be among the 24-horse Melbourne Cup final field this spring after unsuitable quarantine arrangements delayed preparations.

Last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Shocking has received 57kg, equal with Japan’s Meiner Kitz now also unlikely to make the trip to Australia, and Rite Of Passage, trained by Dermot Weld who is the only European trainer to have won the Melbourne Cup.

It is a hefty increase for the Mark Kavanagh-trained Shocking, who carried six kilos less to victory in the 2009 Melbourne Cup.

Early favourite to become the 2010 Melbourne Cup winner, the Bart Cummings-trained Dariana, has received a light weight of just 51.5kg and will no doubt remain the punter’s favourite at [sportsbet] following the handicap announcement.

Cummings’ other spring star and winner of last year’s Cox Plate So You Think has been allocated 56kg, while the in-form Queenslander Shoot Out has been slapped with 55kg following last year’s Group 1 AJC Derby winner’s victories in the Bletchingly Stakes and JJ Liston Stakes this spring.

Trainer Michael Moroney will be pleased with the 54kg weight his 2009 Victoria Derby winner Monaco Consul has received, which is half a kilogram lighter than the weight 2008 Victoria Derby winner Rebel Raider received for the Melbourne Cup last year.

This year Rebel Raider has been hit with another increase having been allocated 55.5kg.

The favourite of the international Cup contenders at $17 through [sportsbet], Sans Frontieres has received 55kg along with fellow overseas raider Illustrious Blue.

The 2010 Caulfield Cup weights were also released today.

The announcement of the Melbourne Cup handicaps is likely to shake up the betting markets at [sportsbet] as connections of the horses weigh up their spring options after seeing the weight their runners must carry.

With weights out the chances of the early Melbourne Cup hopefuls also becomes clearer, so now is the perfect time to place you bets on the ‘race that stops a nation’.

For the best odds on the Melbourne Cup and all the other Spring Carnival Racing features don’t go to the TAB, jump online and visit [sportsbet] instead who have a free $100 bet waiting for new punters!

2010 Melbourne Cup Weights