Ferguson believes 'weaker field' gives Deauville Legend big Melbourne Cup chance

The continuing decline of internationally-trained runners entered for the Lexus Melbourne Cup has seen Australian horses dominate the top order of the weights for the first time in eight years, and trainer James Ferguson believes this "anomaly" will help give his ante-post favourite Deauville Legend every chance of landing the A$8 million Grade 1.

Runners trained in Britain and Ireland have been top or second in the weights from 2014 onwards, including last year when the Joseph O'Brien-trained Twilight Payment led the way as one of just six foreign entries for the world’s richest handicap.

The ex-Andrew Balding-trained Spanish Mission, now with Peter Moody, will carry top weight of 58kg (9st 2lb) after finishing third behind Verry Elleegant in last year's contest off a kilogram lower, with Gold Trip next on 57.5kg (9st 1lb).

Deauville Legend is one of ten British and Irish runners entered and is a best-priced 10-1 after his dominant display in the Great Voltigeur at York. He has been given a weight of 55kg (8st 9lb) and Ferguson believes the comparative weakness at the top of the weights compared to previous years is a major benefit.

Deauville Legend (white) comfortably won the Great Voltigeur at YorkCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"Deauville Legend is in very good order. He came out of the Great Voltigeur in great form and he goes into quarantine a week on Monday," Ferguson said. "The weights for the Melbourne Cup came out today and we were given 55kg. We’re looking forward to going down there.

"This year – the Australians say themselves – it’s a bit of an anomaly year where there was no natural topweight. You could argue that the Australian field is almost a little bit weaker than it has been in recent years and therefore we’re going down there with every chance."

St Leger winner Eldar Eldarov would also carry 55kg if he competes, while the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Without A Fight has the biggest weight of those trained in Britain and Ireland and would carry 55.5kg (8st 10lb).

Another Ferguson runner headed to Australia is El Bodegon but unlike his Melbourne Cup-bound stablemate, he will switch to Chris Waller’s yard for his attempt at the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on October 22.

"I’ll be going down there for the race and quite rightly will cheer on El Bodegon too," Ferguson added. "We’re still training him and we work very closely with the Waller team. We’re looking forward to him going down there and being very successful for them."

Full list of Melbourne Cup weights

British and Irish Melbourne Cup weights

Without A Fight 55.5kg (8st 10lb)
Deauville Legend 55kg (8st 9lb)
Eldar Eldarov 55kg (8st 9lb)
Hoo Ya Mal 53.5kg (8st 6lb)
Alfred Boucher 53kg (8st 5lb)
Earl Of Tyrone 53kg (8st 5lb)
Rodrigo Diaz 50.5kg (7st 13lb)
Point King 50kg (7st 12lb)
Temple Of Artemis 50kg (7st 12lb)
Waterville 50kg (7st 12lb)

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