Big Pat, a leading Melbourne Cup fancy from last year and reigning SA Derby winner, has been handicapped with 57 kilograms, the same as the promising mare Piper Star.

Trained by Peter Tulloch, Big Pat won the VRC St Leger before travelling to Adelaide to easily win the SA Derby in May. In that race he thrashed Bush Padre, who would run fourth in the Caulfield Cup five months later.

After a slashing third in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup to Rain Gauge, Big Pat then had no luck and finished near the tail in the Melbourne Cup, a race he was regarded as a leading fancy.

Piper Star, a member of Roger James' Australian stable at Flemington, rose to prominence when she held out the Group One performer Umaline in the Group Three Matriarch Stakes at the end of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The promising Colin Alderson trained Mr. Casanova, a winner of his past three starts has 56.5 kilograms, a half more than Recall, one of three entrants for Gai Waterhouse.

The highest weighted local is the Blacker trained St Andrew, he has 55.5 kilos, the same as the Michael Moroney trained Imax, a recent Moonee Valley winner in Melbourne.

South Australia's leading hope Astrolante, a recent winner of the Group Three Port Adelaide Cup at Cheltenham, has 54.5 kilos, the same weight as another local Vetyvere.

A total of 69 galloper have been nominated by their respective trainers for the Group Three race which will be run on February 11.

Plans for the Tasmanian Racing Carnival are well and truly underway and it shapes as being a great carnival according to Chief Executive Officer, Mr Brian Keane.

"The six-week carnival is eagerly anticipated, with record crowds expected on AAMI Hobart Cup day on February 11 and AAMI Launceston Cup day on February 27," Mr Keane said.

"We are also pleased that these feature races have attracted interstate interest. Tasmanians should be proud that they have quality races that come under notice from the mainland and the national media."

"Tasmanian and interstate racegoers and those who just appreciate the fun of a social outing will find plenty to enjoy throughout the AAMI Tasmanian Summer Racing Carnival," he added.

HOBART CUP WEIGHTS

PICS - Quentin Lang

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