Sharp ‘N’ Smart, trained by Graeme and Debbie Rogerson, faces uncertainty ahead of the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) after being assigned a weight of 53.5kg.
This puts the booked jockey, Hugh Bowman, in doubt as he was hoping for 54.5kg.
Graeme Rogerson stated, “At this stage it is Hugh’s ride and we will see where we head,” also noting that Sharp ‘N’ Smart is “up there with the top three-year-olds [of last season].”
The horse has previously carried 53.5kg to a second-place finish in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile, suggesting capability at this weight.
With the Melbourne Cup approaching, the Rogersons remain optimistic.
“If he is fit on the day and everything goes right, he is in with a really good chance,” Rogerson added.
The focus is now on whether Bowman will be able to meet the weight requirement, adding a layer of complexity to the Melbourne Cup preparations.