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Weights for the Group 1 TAB Epsom Handicap (1600m) run on Saturday, 29th September 2018

A total of 88 nominations have been weighed for the 153rd running of the Group 1 TAB Epsom Handicap (1600m) to be staged at Royal Randwick on Saturday, 29th September 2018.

This year’s edition will be run with a 50.0kg minimum weight (48.0kg minimum weight for three-year-olds) with a total prizemoney purse of $1,000,000.

Happy Clapper (Blake Shinn) in winning form at Newcastle. Image by Bradley Photographers

The honour of topweight has been given to 118 rated gelding Happy Clapper with 59.5kg. Happy Clapper is a multiple Group 1 winner of the 2017 Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m), the 2018 Gr 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m), and is the reigning champion of the 2018 Gr 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) carrying 57.0kg to victory.

Three-time Group 1 winner Humidor (NZ) is next in line allocated 59.0kg, his most recent victory being the 2018 Gr 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) and was the 2017 Gr 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) winner along with the 2017 Gr 1 Australian Cup (2000m).

Le Romain with 58.0kg is also a multiple Group 1 winner of the 2017 Gr 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m), the 2016 Gr 1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) - the feature mile race of the Melbourne spring carnival - carrying 55.5kg under handicap conditions and the 2016 Gr 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) for three-year-olds.

Next in line with 57.0kg is Hartnell (GB) who is a triple Group 1 winner of the 2018 Gr 1 Orr Stakes (1400m), 2016 Gr 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) and the 2015 Gr 1 The BMW (2400m).

Recent, Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) and Gr 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) winner Comin’ Through has been allocated 56.5kg, along with the 2017 Gr 1 Doncaster Mile winner It’s Somewhat (USA).

Other notable nominations are the 2018 Gr 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) winner and 2018 Gr 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) runner-up Kementari with 55.5kg. The 2017 Gr 1 Doomben Cup winner Sense of Occasion and dual UK Gr 3 winner Mr Moonlight Magic (GB) will carry 55.0kg.

The highest-weighted mare is the 2017 Gr 1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) winner Shillelagh (NZ) with 53.0kg. Shillelagh (NZ) also ran 2nd in the 2018 Gr 1 Tatt’s Tiara (1600m).

Comin’ Through with 56.5kg is exempt from the ballot due to his win in the 2018 edition of the Gr 2 Tramway Handicap (1400m).

There are three three-year-old colts nominated, Fighting Harada, Master Ash and Tavisan (NZ), along with 3yo filly Seabrook, winner of the 2018 Gr 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) for two-year-olds. All have been allocated 48.0kg, the minimum weight for three-year-olds.

Racing NSW Handicapping Panel (10 September 2018)

Click on the following link - TAB Epsom Handicap Weights