Experienced Taree trainer Ross Stitt admits to shock and amazement when assessing weights for Sunday’s $50,000 Dubbo Gold Cup.
But Stitt, who saddles up last year’s winner Southern Shimmer, isn’t complaining. Far from it.
Southern Shimmer was allotted the minimum 54kg.
“I thought have they made a mistake or what,” Stitt said.
“I was stunned. I know he’s coming back in distance but getting in on the minimum. Wow.
“The horse won’t know himself. He is used to carrying big weights.”
Only Lebrechaun (59.5kg), Clever Hans (55kg) and Kinetics (55kg) are weighted above the consistent five-year-old.
Southern Shimmer carried 54kg last year to beat Granite Bluff, also engaged on Sunday, and Blinkin Easy. He started a well-tried $1.60 favourite.
While the eight-time winner from 30 starts hasn’t won in the 12 months since, he has lumped big weights and boasts three metropolitan placings to his credit and a close fourth in the Listed Wagga Wagga Gold Cup.
Stitt cannot fault Southern Shimmer since his last-start third to Black Jag over 1900m at Canterbury on September 5.
Previously, the gelding was runner-up to all-the-way winner The Paymaster in the Taree Cup (2000m) on August 19.
“He’s done a treat, freshened up nicely,” Stitt said.
“He hasn’t done a hell of a lot since Sydney but I’m more than happy with him.
“With any luck, especially with the weight, he should be hard to beat.”
Southern Shimmer has an enviable record over the 1600m with three wins and three placings from eight starts.
Regular jockey Robert Thompson will partner Southern Shimmer.
